Thomas Dickey, lawyer for Luigi Mangione, has said that he has seen “zero evidence” linking his client to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Speaking after a Pennsylvania court hearing, Dickey reiterated the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence, urging against rushing to judgment.
“I haven’t seen any evidence that says he’s the shooter,” Dickey said. “The fundamental concept of American justice is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. At this point, I’ve seen zero evidence.”
While prosecutors are building their case, Dickey continued to assert his client’s innocence. “You can’t rush to judgment in this case or any case,” he said.
Mangione is scheduled to appear in court on December 23, where he will continue to challenge extradition. The high-profile case has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the White House.
“This is horrific. Violence to combat corporate greed is unacceptable,” Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Mangione, 26, was arrested on Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, ending a five-day manhunt following Thompson’s killing in Manhattan. Authorities allege that Mangione ambushed the 50-year-old executive last Wednesday while he was walking to a hotel for an investor conference.
Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland family, faces a murder charge in New York but is fighting extradition. A judge in Pennsylvania denied him bail, citing his perceived danger to the public. During his court appearance, Mangione appeared agitated, shouting about an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” before being subdued by officers.
Law enforcement officials said Mangione was carrying a handwritten manifesto criticising the US health care system, which he described as “parasitic” and driven by corporate greed. The document allegedly expressed anger over high costs and stagnant life expectancy, echoing broader frustrations with the industry.
Investigators also pointed to Mangione’s social media posts, where he described Unabomber Ted Kaczynski as a “political revolutionary.” Police revealed that Mangione had been found with a “ghost gun” and fake IDs, including one used to check into a Manhattan hostel prior to the attack.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has pledged to expedite Mangione’s extradition. “I will ensure that the suspect in Brian Thompson’s murder is held accountable in New York,” she stated.
Mangione’s family expressed shock over his arrest, offering prayers for Thompson’s family. A statement released by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione, described the situation as devastating for all involved.
Authorities remain focused on piecing together the motive behind the shooting, which has left many unanswered questions about Mangione’s actions and mindset.
