As Luigi Mangione awaits his court hearing over UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s death, the Mangione family shares their perspective in a recent statement.
The family of Luigi Mangione has spoken out through his cousin, Maryland Delegate Nino Mangione, for the first time since his arrest in Pennsylvania.
“Unfortunately, we cannot comment on news reports regarding Luigi Mangione. We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” the family said.
They also conveyed sympathy to Thompson’s loved ones, acknowledging their loss. They urged the public to offer prayers for everyone impacted by the tragedy. “We are devastated by the news,” the family reiterated. Mangione’s family background adds another dimension to the story.
According to the New York Times, Mangione comes from a prominent and influential family in the Baltimore metropolitan area with deep roots in the real estate and business sectors. His grandparents, Nick Mangione Sr. and Mary C. Mangione, purchased and developed the Turf Valley Country Club in Ellicott City during the 1970s.
Over the years, the family expanded their ventures, acquiring Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley, Maryland, founding Lorien Health Services, a chain of nursing homes, and owning WCBM-AM, a politically conservative radio station.
Aaron Cranston, a former classmate of Mangione’s at the Gilman School in Baltimore, described him as a smart and ambitious student. Cranston expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating that Mangione’s background seemed inconsistent with such a crime.
Cranston also shared that earlier this year, Mangione’s family circulated a message seeking information on his whereabouts. They had reportedly not heard from him for several months following back surgery.
Authorities arrested Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, after a customer recognized him from widely circulated photos during a multi-state manhunt, according to NBC News.
Shortly after his arrest, Mangione was arraigned in Pennsylvania on two felony charges: carrying a firearm without a license and forgery. He also faced three misdemeanor charges: tampering with records, possessing instruments of crime, and providing false identification to law enforcement.
He was denied bail and has not entered a plea. Additional charges related to Thompson’s death are expected to be filed in New York soon, officials said. Officers immediately identified Mangione as the person of interest after asking him to remove his mask.
Mangione had no prior criminal record, but investigators are reviewing his online activity, which includes references to domestic terrorist Ted Kaczynski, known for his anti-establishment beliefs.
It remains unclear whether Thompson’s name appears in the handwritten document recovered from Mangione. “We don’t think that there’s any specific threats to other people mentioned in that document…But it does seem that he has some ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said.
In the wake of the tragedy, UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing shock and sadness over Thompson’s death, describing him as a respected colleague and friend. The company pledged full cooperation with the NYPD’s investigation and extended heartfelt condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.
As authorities continue their investigation, Mangione’s next court hearing is reportedly scheduled on December 23.
