NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Thursday, December 19, 2024

Episode Date: December 20, 2024

Suspect in CEO killing extradited from Pennsylvania to New York; Congress scrambles to save spending plan to avoid government shutdown; Shooter in Wisconsin communicated with California man before shooting, according to court documents; and more on tonight’s broadcast.

Tonight, the suspect in the murder of a top CEO extradited back to New York and hit with new federal charges. Luigi Mangione arriving by helicopter back in New York City after he was flown out of Pennsylvania in NYPD custody. The new federal charges including one count of murder that could carry the death penalty. Also, the cell phone police say he was seen using within an hour before the killing. And the new details inside his notebook, how long prosecutors say he had been targeting health care executives. Just in tonight, House Republicans failing to pass their new bill backed by Donald Trump to avert a government shutdown. After the president-elect derailed a bipartisan deal, so what happens now? The winter storm on the move from the Midwest to the Northeast.

In Minneapolis, a snow emergency, all as record holiday travel ramps up. The new twist in a deadly Wisconsin school shooting. The man detained 2,000 miles away in California. His alleged link to the 15-year-old female shooter. The protests at Amazon facilities as the holiday shipping rush hits its peak. And there is good news tonight. After the destruction of Hurricane Helene, a new home for the holidays. This is NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt. Good evening and welcome.

The suspected brazen killer of a health care company CEO is back in New York tonight to face an expanded list of criminal charges, including a federal count that could carry the death penalty if convicted. Today, New York authorities moving swiftly and in large numbers to bring Luigi Mangione into their custody. Under heavy guard, the suspect handed over by Pennsylvania officials, taken to an airport where he departed on a small plane, then transferred to a helicopter that brought him back to Manhattan, where in addition to state murder and terrorism charges, he will now face four newly unsealed federal charges. Mangione making his first New York court appearance late

today, where a federal judge read him the new charges that include stalking and murder. The federal complaint also offering a deeper look at what was in a notebook prosecutors say was in Mangione's possession when he was arrested. Writings that may speak to the planning for the attack. Stephanie Gosk has details. Luigi Mangione extradited from Pennsylvania and back in New York City today, flown in on an NYPD helicopter, handcuffed and shackled. Police Commissioner Tish and I want to send a very clear, clear and loud message that this act of terrorism would not be tolerated in the city. The accused murderer greeted by Mayor

Eric Adams and new federal criminal charges. Four counts including stalking and a murder charge that could bring the death penalty. That federal criminal complaint is on top of the 11 state charges he already faces in New York including murder in the first degree in the furtherance of terrorism for allegedly gunning down 50-year-old father of two, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. It was targeted, premeditated, and meant to sow terror. The federal complaint unsealed today reveals new investigative details. Sometime in the hour before the early morning murder, Mangione was depicted using a cell phone, at least once, according to federal prosecutors.

It makes no mention of who he may have been talking to. The complaint also gives details of what was in the notebook police found on Mangione when he was arrested in a Pennsylvania McDonald's. The handwritten pages express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular. According to the complaint, an entry marked August 15th says the details are finally coming together. Also adding the target is insurance because it checks every box. Another entry describes an intent to whack the CEO of one of the insurance companies at its investor conference. The complaint says Mangione undertook extensive efforts to identify the victim, place the victim under surveillance, and track the victim's whereabouts. The 26-year-old started his day back in a Pennsylvania courthouse,

where he told a judge he would waive an extradition hearing. New York authorities took him into custody immediately and drove him to the airport where a plane was waiting on the tarmac. Mangione then made his first appearance in federal court. He has not yet entered a plea. Mr. Mangione appreciates everyone's support. Before the charges were announced, his attorney said federal charges in a case like this are highly unusual and raises constitutional concerns, adding, we are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought. All right, Stephanie, joining us now.

Stephanie Mangione is charged with state and federal crimes. And now, how do officials plan to navigate that? Well, Lester, tonight Mangione is in a federal prison in Brooklyn, but federal prosecutors say it will be the trial on state charges that's up first. Lester. Stephanie Goss, thank you. We turn now to the urgent showdown that could lead to a government shutdown. Lawmakers still looking for a solution after a new plan backed by President-elect Trump failed just moments ago. It comes after he and Elon Musk torpedoed the original bipartisan agreement. Ryan Nobles joins us now from Capitol Hill. Ryan, there is late drama there tonight.

Lester, that's right. The latest move by House Republicans, a new vote, their proposal on the House floor failed dramatically, leaving the GOP scrambling for a plan C as the deadline before a government shutdown approaches. Tonight, House Republicans back to square one. This is Washington. This is how the lawmaking is done. House Speaker Mike Johnson forced back to the drawing board

after President-elect Trump said he opposed the original bipartisan legislation, which he said contained too much wasteful spending. Elon Musk, who will lead Trump's effort to cut government spending, has also slammed the original 1,500-page spending bill as a steal of your tax dollars. The new GOP bill is slimmed down just 116 pages. It funds the government through March 14th, including providing funding for disaster relief and for farmers. And in a direct ask from Trump, includes a provision to extend the debt limit, the ability of the federal government to pay off its debts, through 2027. And the new Republican plan cuts many items in the bipartisan bill that had sparked conservative

backlash, including a plan to raise the salaries of members of Congress and funding for a new Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Trump was quick to back the deal, writing all Republicans and even Democrats should do what is best for our country and vote yes for this bill tonight. House Democrats slamming the new bill, saying it doesn't fund important programs. Extreme mega Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown. While Senate Democrats blasting Musk's influence. He is unraveling what was a hard-won and hard-negotiated agreement that would keep the lights on for government. Again, Lester, this latest Republican plan was voted down,

a blow to President-elect Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. They now have until midnight tomorrow night to come up with a plan to avoid aelect Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. They now have until midnight tomorrow night to come up with a plan to avoid a shutdown with no plan in sight. Lester. Ryan, thanks very much. New developments in that deadly school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. The FBI apparently looking into a connection between a California man and the 15-year-old shooter. Shaquille Brewster has the latest. A new court document obtained by NBC News reveals the FBI stopped and detained a California man believed to be in contact with 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow before she opened fire Monday at Abundant Life Christian School.

Authorities say Rupnow shot and killed a teacher and fellow student in Madison, Wisconsin, then took her own life. A gun violence emergency protective order says federal agents saw messages from 20-year-old Alexander Paffendorf to the teenage shooter. Cops all up and down the street on this corner. Neighbor Alex Gallegos says he saw law enforcement searching Paffendorf's San Diego area home the day after the Wisconsin shooting. A couple hours into it, towards the end, they're carrying out a big black box. The court document restraining Paffendorf from having firearms says he admitted during an FBI interview that he told Rubnow he would arm himself with explosives and a gun

and that he would target a government building. It is not clear if Paffendorf has been charged with any crime. The FBI says it is not aware of any ongoing threats associated with this matter in Wisconsin or California. In Madison, authorities continuing to investigate the shooting itself. We found two weapons. Both were handguns. We believe one handgun was used to commit this horrific act. The other handgun was not used. The names of those killed now released. 42-year-old school staff member Aaron West

and 14-year-old high school freshman Ruby Vergara. Barbara Weirs is a school official. We are all grieving and suffering with the West family and the Vergara family because right now we're hurting because they're hurting and it's all from the same hurt. And tonight two students with life-threatening injuries from Monday's shooting remain in the hospital. Lester. All right, Shaq, thank you. In Georgia, a legal victory today for President-elect Trump. An appeals court disqualified Fannie Willis from prosecuting the Georgia election interference case against Mr. Trump. The appeals court said a lower court was wrong in allowing Willis to keep the case. Despite a romantic relationship with a lawyer she brought in to manage the prosecution, Willis' office said it would appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court.

The whereabouts of Austin Tice, the American journalist missing for years in Syria, is now on the radar of Russia's President Vladimir Putin. After our Keir Simmons asked him about it today during a press conference in Moscow. Tonight, Russian President Putin promising to ask Syria's Bashar al-Assad, who just fled to Russia, about missing American Austin Tice. I have a letter here sent to you this week by the mother of an American journalist who is missing in Syria. He's called Austin Tice. Will you ask President Assad for information? I haven't met with Assad since his arrival in Moscow, but I do plan on doing so.

I promise I will ask him this question. We pressed President Putin with Russian troops still fighting in Ukraine, the assassination of a Russian general in Moscow and the fall of Russia's ally Assad. What does that mean for his potential meeting with President-elect Trump? Mr. President, when you face President-elect Trump, you will be the weaker leader. How do you propose to compromise? What are you going to offer? After speaking about another topic, he returned to our question. I have not spoken to him for more than four years now.

I am prepared for that conversation at any time. Also saying, Russia has become significantly stronger over the last two to three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country. We now depend on very few. I also pressed him if he would compromise over Ukraine. He said he would, but not how. Negotiations, if they happen, will not be easy. Lester. Geir Simmons in Moscow. Thank you. In France today, dozens of men were convicted and sentenced in a rape trial

that stunned the nation and saw the woman who went public with her accusations become the face of a movement. Hala Gharani has that story. Tonight, the mass rape trial that shocked the world. Cheers in southeast France as 72-year-old Dominique Pellicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The crimes drugging his wife Giselle over the course of a decade and inviting dozens of men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. In the courtroom, 50 other men, also sentenced for their roles in the assaults. Waving her right to anonymity, Giselle Pellicot became a symbol of courage and an icon for women's rights groups around the world.

Outside the Avignon courthouse today, Giselle Pellicot spoke out, saying she never regretted her decision, also adding that she shares the same fight with other victims. She chose to show her face while the accused hid theirs, so that the shame, she said in court, swapped sides, lying with the men who abused her and not their victim. Men from all walks of life, aged 26 to 74, one was her neighbor. Women's rights activist Sejiz Zell-Pelicot will be remembered for refusing to stay silent. How do you think she will be remembered? I think she will be remembered as a woman who refused to be silenced and to be ashamed

and who made the other women a huge gift, the right to speak and to be heard. A woman who walked into the trial an ordinary grandmother, and despite her pain and trauma, walked out a feminist icon. Hala Gharani, NBC News. In 60 seconds, we'll tell you where a snow emergency has been declared, along with the wet and wintry forecast. Plus, we'll have a reality check on the Amazon protests, what it means for those gifts. Next. A winter storm is on the move tonight in the Midwest, just as record holiday travel is getting underway. In Minnesota, the

Twin Cities declaring a snow emergency after as much as six inches fell on roads there. Other areas in the upper Midwest and Northeast could also see a half foot of snow through Saturday. Demonstrations at several Amazon facilities raising questions tonight about whether your holiday shipments will arrive on time. Liz Kreutz tonight at one of those Amazon locations in California. Liz, what's the situation there? Well, hey, Lester, you know, this is one of seven locations nationwide where there have been demonstrations today, and we haven't seen a lot of folks out here protesting. We know that there were some heated moments where some of the protesters blocked the entrance to one of the facilities, not allowing some of the delivery truck workers who were working to get in and out.

Mostly, though, it's been a few dozen protesters at each location nationwide. Here, it was a lot of Amazon workers who work for the third party delivery companies that contract with Amazon, as well as Teamster members who were supporting them. They are calling for higher wages and better working conditions. Amazon says that so far they've had no impact or disruption to their operations. So, Lester, right now it seems unlikely that this is going to lead to any delays in those holiday packages. Lester. All right, Liz Kreutz, thank you. Up next, the simple device that could help prevent deadly gun accidents. So why isn't it being used more? Our new reporting coming up. It's a mistake that has cost hundreds of lives, bullets unintentionally left in guns after the magazines are removed.

There is simple technology to stop it, but will gun makers ever be forced to use it? And should they? Maggie Vespa with our investigation. When Hector Adamas sent his nephew Joshua off to a friend's house near Chicago one afternoon in May 2001. He was confident the eighth grader would be safe. Instead, he never came home. I wish we had had a chance to see what he would have done. Joshua's friend Billy was the son of a sheriff's deputy.

According to court documents, Billy found his service weapon in a closet and was playing with it when Josh came over. He removed the magazine to try to show him, you know, found his service weapon in a closet and was playing with it when Josh came over. He removed the magazine to try to show him, you know, he was under the false assumption that there wasn't a bullet chamber. And he pointed it to him. It went off. And then Joshua went down and he never got back up again. Even with the magazine removed, a single bullet was still in the chamber. It hit Joshua in the stomach. He was single bullet was still in the chamber. It hit Joshua in the stomach. He was just 13. It never stops hurting. You just learn how to live with it.

An NBC News investigation found since 2000, at least 277 people, including Joshua, have been killed in accidents in which the shooter believed a gun was unloaded because the magazine was dislodged or removed. A century ago, gun makers designed a fix aimed at preventing such accidents, a small metal piece called a magazine disconnect. Typically, pulling a gun's trigger sets off a chain reaction, connecting multiple internal parts, causing the weapon to fire. A disconnect prevents those parts from connecting when the magazine is ejected. That stops the gun from firing whether a bullet is in the chamber or not. But disconnects

are not widely used, in part thanks to pushback from the gun industry. Richard Pearson is the executive director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. Basic firearm safety rules take care of everything. Magazine disconnect just makes things more complicated. You told me you couldn't even find a gun in this facility that had a magazine disconnect. No. Pearson argues it's on owners to secure and use weapons properly and says a disconnect could be dangerous in cases of self-defense. If your magazine falls out during a struggle, which often happens because the bad person is trying to grab your gun too, then we have a problem. And so you have one round left to defend your life and it's gone.

NBC News contacted more than a dozen handgun manufacturers. All but one did not respond and none agreed to answer questions. Today, just one state, California, requires magazine disconnects in newly purchased guns, and that law is being challenged. The difference between firearms and pretty much every other type of product in the United States is firearms and the firearms industry enjoy a federal immunity shield that other products don't. When Joshua Adamas' family tried to sue the gunmaker, the lawsuit was tossed out because of that shield. His friend Billy was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in juvenile court. And 23 years later, Hector is still fighting to prevent accidents like the one that killed his nephew. We've lost our humanity if we put so much precedent in a weapon above humans, what message are we sending?

Maggie Vespa, NBC News. Up next here for us tonight, she lost her house and everything in the destruction of Hurricane Helene. How she and others were able to go home for the holidays. Finally, months after Hurricane Helene hit, there's good news tonight about two survivors and a holiday gift beyond their wildest dreams. Here's Kathy Park. Helene tore through East Tennessee this September, and today some mountain communities are still unrecognizable. And it looks like a desert now to me. But others are coming back to life. Days after the storm, volunteers with Appalachia

Service Project began rebuilding at no cost to the homeowner, putting hands and hearts together for residents whose lives were torn apart. It was too much. I mean, I lost my husband. It took the whole house. It was just a pond. There was nothing there. We first saw Vicki Hunter in this viral video, stranded on the front porch, as a home she built with her husband, Jerry, swept away. This is my driveway here, and the house was right there. If you had a chance to say something to Jerry right now, what would you tell him? I love him. I wish he was here. I wish he was here, but his arms are on me. Carried by the strength and generosity of strangers, now just two months later, she's back on the land he loved.

Today is an amazing celebration where we will dedicate 10 homes, 8 new homes and $2.3 billion. Thank you. I've had so much outreach, so much kindness and love. That love spreading to other neighbors. What will the holidays look like for you? Not the same. It won't be the same, but I got a big Christmas present, this beautiful house. It's a priceless gift that seems more like a miracle, a new home for the holidays. I love it.

Kathy Park, NBC News, Jonesboro, Tennessee. And that is nightly news for this Thursday. Thank you for watching. I'm Lester Holt. Please take care of yourself and each other. Good night.