NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione was arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s when police discovered a loaded gun magazine in his backpack, wrapped in a pair of underwear. This find occurred shortly after he was placed in handcuffs, leading officers to believe he was linked to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan just five days prior.
During a court hearing, police officer Christy Wasser, a veteran of the Altoona police force, testified about the search of Mangione's belongings. The search was conducted following standard procedure at the time of arrest, which included checking for dangerous items.
Mangione, who is 27 years old and currently facing both state and federal murder charges, has pleaded not guilty. His legal team seeks to eliminate evidence obtained during the search, arguing that it violated proper search warrant protocols. In contrast, prosecutors maintain that the search was justified and appropriate.
The items discovered in Mangione's backpack include a 9 mm handgun and a notebook, which prosecutors claim could reveal Mangione's intentions and disdain for health insurance companies.
Police had been alerted to Mangione after a 911 call reporting a suspicious customer fitting the description of the murder suspect. The investigation implicates Mangione, linking him to the fatal shooting of Thompson, who was attacked by a gunman as he walked to an investor conference on December 4, 2024.
As the pretrial hearings continue, Mangione's defense argues that the prosecution’s characterizations of Thompson’s murder are prejudicial, demanding impartiality as they prepare for what could evolve into a significant trial.
