“There are indications that defendants may waive their hearings,” Bragg said.
Extradition proceedings are scheduled to take place on the same day as Mangione’s preliminary hearing on gun-related charges in Pennsylvania.
Appearing at a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Bragg and New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch criticized members of the public for praising Mangioni after the Dec. 4 shooting.
“In the nearly two weeks since Mr. Thompson was murdered, we have witnessed a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder,” Tisch said. “We do not celebrate murder, and we do not advocate killing anyone.”
In addition to murder, the suspect also faces weapons and forgery charges. If he is convicted of the most serious charges against him – first-degree murder and second-degree murder as an act of terrorism – Mr. Mangione could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
When asked about the specific terrorism charges, Bragg responded, “At its most basic, this is murder to incite terrorism.”
Five days after Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO, was shot and killed, Mangione was found wearing a fake ID and a so-called “ghost gun” at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Police said he was arrested in possession of it.
His attorney, Thomas Dickey, said he has seen no evidence linking Mangione’s gun to the crime.
Prosecutors in New York began sharing evidence in the case against Mr. Mangione with the grand jury last week.
If extradited, the 26-year-old will likely be held at Rikers Island or another New York prison.
