Inmates at the facility where Luigi Mangione is detained without bail took advantage of a live television broadcast to voice their opinion that the murder suspect should be released, criticizing the conditions as inadequate.
Luigi Mangione, aged 26, is currently housed in a maximum security cell at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution located in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, according to CBS News.
The accused shooter awaits extradition to New York, facing several charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was 50 at the time.
Following a nationwide search for the alleged perpetrator, Mangione was apprehended in relation to the deadly shooting that occurred outside a New York City hotel on December 4.
He was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
Soon after, bail was denied for the suspect, who is now contesting extradition to New York.
According to Forbes and the official arrest warrant in New York, Mangione is facing five felony charges including second-degree murder related to the victim’s death, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
On December 11, NewsNation reporter Alex Caprariello was reporting live from outside the Huntingdon State Correctional Institution to provide updates on Mangione’s legal proceedings.
During the segment, Caprariello and anchor Ashleigh Banfield engaged with inmates through the fence, who seemed to be following the live broadcast from inside.
When asked if they could see Luigi, an inmate responded ‘no’, while another shouted: “Luigi’s watching right now.”
Another inmate commented about Mangione’s situation, saying: “Luigi’s conditions suck!” in footage aired during the show.
They also expressed a desire for his release with the phrase: “Free Luigi!”
Later in the segment, Banfield revealed Mangione’s supposed meal plan for the day, listing macaroni cheese for dinner and porcupine meatballs for lunch.
“I’m going to ask the guys if it was any good the dinner tonight,” she informed the NewsNation audience.
In response, inmates were heard shouting, with Caprariello interpreting: “They’re saying ‘heck no’, they’re saying ‘BS’, they’re saying ‘terrible’. They’re saying that that’s not what they are eating.”
Since the broadcast was uploaded to YouTube on December 12, it has garnered over 200,000 views and received more than 1,800 comments from viewers.
One commenter wrote: “Un. F****ng. Believable. One of the craziest things I’ve ever seen in my life. What a time to be alive. This broadcast will go down in history lol.”
Another viewer commented: “This is insane!!! This reporter on location, if he’s the one that thought of this, he deserves a raise. Seriously. Whoever thought of this… this is really outta the box.”
A third individual noted: “I’ve never seen NewsNation before but if this level of journalism is their norm, I’m in! This was engaging, fascinating and has the human element all of our mainstream media now lacks. Love to see it!”
Another added: “This is good, honest human journalism. it felt real. well done. thanks and great job.”