Luigi Mangione's testimony captured in audio and images

Luigi Mangione is challenging the legality of evidence linked to his arrest in New York. He faces charges for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The ongoing hearing has already featured several images, audio recordings, and video exhibits, with proceedings set to continue Monday.

Mangione is attempting to prevent jurors from seeing a Glock-style 9mm pistol and a handwritten "manifesto" recovered from his backpack by Altoona, Pennsylvania officers. Prosecutors assert the firearm matches the shell casings and bullet from Thompsons fatal shooting, which occurred five days earlier. The writings allegedly outline Mangiones plan to target a healthcare executive.

Since Monday, Mangione and his legal team have argued in Manhattan state court that the search of his backpack was conducted without a warrant. Six law enforcement witnesses have testified so far, and the hearing is expected to extend into next week.

Key Evidence Presented

One piece of evidence is the original 911 call, which included laughter, apologies, and even a bagel order. Prosecutors highlighted this recording to show how Altoona police handled the situation professionally and calmly. Officers initially treated the call as "low priority," given the apologetic nature of the McDonalds manager who reported the incident.

Mangione reportedly tried to mislead police by claiming he was a homeless man named "Mark" and presented a fake New Jersey ID under that name. Bodycam footage shows him initially complying with officers instructions, including lowering his medical mask. Patrolman Joseph Detwiler testified that he recognized Mangione immediately but stayed calm, even whistling along with holiday music in the restaurant to maintain composure.

Officers considered Mangione potentially dangerous, partially due to images from surveillance footage of the fatal Thompson shooting. Detwiler, familiar with the manhunt and the NYPDs online posts about the suspect, explained that safety concerns motivated the frisk and backpack search before formally arresting Mangione for forgery and using a false ID.

Additional items recovered at the Altoona police station included a folding knife and $7,800 in cash. Patrolman Tyler Frye noted that the knife, though small, could be potentially harmful. Searches also revealed foreign currency totaling $1,620. Police footage captured Patrolwoman Christy Wasser discovering the firearm in Mangiones backpack, which led to a strip search due to the combination of the gun and overlooked knife.

The hearing continues as prosecutors present further evidence related to the arrest and the shooting of Thompson.

Author: Chloe Ramirez