Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has added Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a prominent former Manhattan prosecutor, to his legal team. This development comes as Manhattan authorities work to extradite Mangione from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested earlier this week.
Mangione was detained on Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a customer recognized him from mugshots released by law enforcement.
Police recovered a ghost gun, a mask, and a manifesto from Mangione at the time of his arrest. The handwritten manifesto reportedly condemned corporations for exploiting the American public, with specific criticism aimed at healthcare companies like UnitedHealthcare.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s new attorney, has an extensive legal background, having served as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. Her law firm, Agnifilo Intrater LLP, confirmed her involvement but stated she would not comment on the case at this time.
Mangione is currently held without bail in Pennsylvania, facing charges of murder, weapons possession, and forgery in New York. While his Pennsylvania lawyer has indicated Mangione may contest extradition, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has stated that steps are in place to ensure his transfer.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is also prepared to request intervention from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro if necessary.
Brian Thompson, a leading figure in the healthcare industry, was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4 while heading to an investor conference. Witnesses said the suspected attacker fired multiple rounds at Thompson from a distance of 20 feet before fleeing the scene.
(With inputs from AP)
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