Fox News hosts Sandra Smith and Jeanine Pirro questioned Maryland State Delegate Nino Mangione after his cousin, Luigi Mangione, was arrested for the murder of CEO Brian Thompson. The arrest has drawn sharp attention, particularly over the delay in identifying the suspect, which Pirro and Smith criticized on air.
“Another twist in this story is that this just got into our newsroom. The suspect’s cousin is a Maryland State Delegate,” Sandra Smith reported Monday. “So this is now being confirmed, the suspect’s cousin is a Maryland State Delegate, Antonio D. Mangione, who goes by Nino.”
Smith raised questions about the delay in recognizing the suspect despite familial connections. “How was it possible there wasn’t anyone, anywhere in the country who was saying, that person’s in my family, I know that guy?” Smith asked, expressing disbelief at the circumstances.
The case took an unexpected turn when a McDonald’s employee in Pennsylvania ultimately identified Luigi Mangione. Former FBI investigator Bill Daly described the situation as “quite surprising,” emphasizing the unusual way in which the suspect was recognized, told CNN.
Smith, puzzled by the lack of action from the suspect’s relatives, reiterated her concerns to co-host Jeanine Pirro. “How does anybody who is related to this person not say, I know that guy, and call the police?” Smith asked.
Pirro agreed with Smith’s criticism, underlining the troubling dynamic at play. “Well, that is certainly a very relevant question,” Pirro stated. “Once a guy at McDonald’s can pick up the phone and a relative—and someone who is in a particular job where he’s working for the government, essentially, and for the people—can’t, you know you’ve got a problem.”
The comments highlight the frustration surrounding the case and the perceived lack of urgency within the suspect’s circle, particularly given his connection to a public figure. Pirro’s statement reflected broader concerns about accountability and the role of public officials in situations like this.
As the investigation into Brian Thompson’s murder continues, Delegate Nino Mangione’s familial ties to the suspect are likely to remain a focal point. While authorities move forward with legal proceedings, the public debate surrounding the case—and how it was ultimately solved—shows no sign of slowing down.