Luigi Mangione’s attorney says arrest unlawfully obtained DNA

• Luigi Mangione’s lawyer argues Pennsylvania police illegally seized his DNA during his arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Court documents filed in the state could impact his New York trial.
• His lawyer argues that the police’s public disclosure of a “manifesto” harmed his client’s reputation.
• His attorney is asking the court to dismiss evidence obtained during his arrest, claiming it was illegal.

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Luigi Mangione’s lawyer accused Pennsylvania police of violating Mangione’s rights and illegally obtaining his DNA during his arrest at an Altoona, Pennsylvania, McDonald’s in December 2024. Newly filed court documents reveal details of the arrest, which may have a significant impact on his upcoming trial.

Attorney Thomas Dickey argued the actions of law enforcement provide probable cause to drop charges against Mangione in Pennsylvania.

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The charges stem from Mangione’s alleged involvement in the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A masked shooter was seen on video shooting Thompson while outside a Manhattan hotel in December 2024.

Luigi Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania

While in custody, officers reportedly gave Mangione a snack, which was later used to obtain his DNA. Dickey also claims police searched his client’s bag, finding writings, a gun and other items that investigators believe connect Mangione to Thompson’s murder.

Dickey argued that the police’s public disclosure of a “manifesto” found in the bag unfairly painted Mangione in a negative light and was a form of prejudice.

Despite preparing for trial in New York for the CEO’s murder, Mangione still faces charges in Pennsylvania, including possession of an illegal firearm and forgery. Dickey is now asking a judge to dismiss the evidence obtained during the search, arguing the officers did not have the legal grounds to seize or arrest Mangione.

Dickey’s filing also alleged Altoona Police did not verify Mangione was the suspect the New York Police Department was searching for. Before a McDonald’s employee contacted law enforcement, there was no warrant or photographic evidence to confirm Mangione’s identity as the suspect.

The documents further allege police detained Mangione for at least 20 minutes without informing him that he was free to leave, allowing officers more time to gather evidence.

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How could the Pennsylvania case impact his New York trial?

The evidence obtained in Pennsylvania could play a key role in Mangione’s New York trial, as prosecutors are using it to strengthen their case against him. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the New York homicide, which include terrorism, stalking and multiple counts of murder. He is also facing federal charges of murder and stalking.