Luigi Mangione charged with healthcare CEO’s murder

“We have indications the defendant may waive that hearing,” Bragg said.

The extradition proceeding is scheduled for the same day as Mr Mangione’s preliminary hearing on gun-related charges in Pennsylvania.

Appearing at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, both Bragg and New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch lambasted the public for praising Mr Mangione in the wake of the 4 December shooting.

“In the nearly two weeks since Mr Thompson’s killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder,” Tisch said. “We don’t celebrate murders and we don’t lionise the killing of anyone.”

In addition to murder, the suspect also faces weapons and forgery charges. If he is convicted on the most serious charges placed against him – first degree murder and second degree murder as an act of terrorism – Mr Mangione could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Asked about the specific terrorism charges, Bragg replied that “in its most basic terms, this was a killing that was intended to evoke terror”.

Five days after Mr Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO, was shot and killed, Mr Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, with a fake ID and so-called “ghost gun”, police said.

His lawyer, Thomas Dickey, has said he has not seen evidence that links Mr Mangione’s gun with the crime.

New York prosecutors began to share evidence in their case against Mr Mangione with a grand jury last week.

If extradited, the 26-year-old is likely to be held at Riker’s Island or another New York prison.