Political Views and Correspondence with Blogger on Luigi Mangione Arrest

 PENNSYLVANIAN: An online blogger who corresponded with Luigi Mangione for several months shared insights into the suspect’s diverse political beliefs. Mangione, accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, communicated with Gurwinder Bhogal, who runs the Substack newsletter “The Prism,” in the spring of 2024. The two exchanged nearly 20 emails, direct messages, and even had a two-hour video chat in May, during which Mangione mentioned being in Japan.

Bhogal told reporters that Mangione subscribed to his blog after reading a 2023 article where Bhogal discussed societal tribalism. Mangione appreciated the article’s examination of how individuals express varied opinions across political issues. Bhogal explained that Mangione seemed to embody a mix of left-wing and right-wing views, such as being pro-equality but anti-woke, opposing identity politics and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives because he did not believe they were effective in helping minorities.

One significant topic they discussed was healthcare. Bhogal, based in the UK, recalls Mangione expressing frustration about the high cost of healthcare in the US, as well as a sense of envy for the UK’s nationalized system.

Bhogal, who described Mangione as “thoughtful and polite,” was stunned to learn that the suspect was involved in the shooting. “He seemed like the last person I’d suspect of murdering someone, Bhogal said.

Investigators Find Mangione’s Manifesto and Notebooks

Authorities have discovered a handwritten manifesto, which they say serves as Mangione’s “claim of responsibility” for the killing. According to a law enforcement source, the 26-year-old also kept a spiral notebook filled with notes that include to-do lists for carrying out the murder and justifications for his actions. In one passage, Mangione discussed the Unabomber and wrote about the potential risks of using a bomb, concluding that shooting his victim would be more targeted.

pictures of Mangione in Hawii

Police further revealed that Mangione arrived in New York on November 24, 2024, and spent time planning and surveilling the location before allegedly shooting Thompson outside the New York Hilton.

Extradition Hearing and Legal Proceedings

Luigi Mangione, who was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024, faces charges in New York, including murder and weapon possession. He appeared for an extradition hearing at the Blair County Courthouse in Pennsylvania on December 10.

At the hearing, Mangione expressed defiance, yelling that his case was an insult to the intelligence of the American people. He has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of possessing a forged document. Authorities found a 3D-printed pistol and silencer in Mangione’s possession, and surveillance footage reportedly shows him carrying out the shooting.

Mangione is currently fighting extradition to New York, where he will face further charges. The Pennsylvania court has granted him 14 days to file for a writ of habeas corpus. Meanwhile, prosecutors are working to secure a governor’s warrant to facilitate his transfer.

Defense and Future Proceedings

Mangione’s defense attorney, Tom Dickey, confirmed that he would represent Mangione in Pennsylvania and potentially in New York. Dickey stated that his client would plead not guilty to the charges in Pennsylvania and anticipated a similar plea in New York. Mangione is being held at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania Missing Person Report and Possible Back Injury

suspected killer, Mangione led into the court room.

Mangione had been reported missing by his mother on November 18, 2024, in San Francisco. Investigators are also looking into a back injury Mangione allegedly sustained in July 2023 while surfing in Hawaii. New York police are examining whether this injury might be linked to any insurance claims he made.

Former Classmate’s Shock at Mangione’s Involvement

A former high school classmate of Mangione, who spoke anonymously, expressed disbelief upon hearing that Mangione was the shooting suspect. He described Mangione as a “totally brilliant” student who aced tests effortlessly without studying. The classmate also recalled Mangione coming from a wealthy family with a notable legacy. His grandfather, Nicholas Mangione, built a real estate empire in Maryland, including nursing homes and country clubs.

In high school, Mangione was known for his academic excellence and social charm, excelling in sports and maintaining a wide social circle. The classmate, who was shocked by the news of the shooting, described Mangione as someone who had “a lot to offer” and expressed sadness at the tragic turn of events.