Luigi Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, shortly after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan. Police found a loaded gun magazine wrapped in his underwear during a search, which they argued linked him to the killing. Mangione’s lawyers contended that the evidence should be excluded from trial due to the lack of a search warrant, arguing that the warrantless search was unwarranted. However, prosecutors defended the legality of the search, stating it was necessary for officer safety.
During the hearing, it was revealed that a notebook found in Mangione’s bag contained notes critical of insurance companies, suggesting a motive related to Thompson’s murder on December 4, 2024. Surveillance footage showed a masked gunman—believed to be Mangione—killing Thompson.
Despite the initial search being done without a warrant, police later obtained one. Police officer Christy Wasser testified about the unusual steps taken during the search, emphasizing safety concerns but acknowledging that McDonald’s patrons were not evacuated. As the pretrial hearing continues, Mangione maintains a not guilty plea on both state and federal charges, with the latter potentially carrying the death penalty.
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