Editing Was the money planted on Luigi Mangione? (section)

= Mangione’s Claim of Planted Cash =
During Mangione’s '''initial court appearance in Pennsylvania''', he '''openly challenged two pieces of evidence''' that prosecutors described. As the prosecutor outlined the items found on him – including the ~$8,000 in U.S. cash – Mangione interrupted to '''claim the money did not belong to him'''. According to CNN reporter Danny Freeman’s account of the hearing, Mangione stated: ''“I’d like to correct two things… First, I don’t know where any of that money came from, I’m not sure if it was planted”''. He also disputed the characterization of his backpack as a sophisticated ''Faraday'' bag, insisting ''“that bag was waterproof”'' rather than a high-tech device.<blockquote>'''Mangione’s own words (Court Quote):''' ''“I don’t have that much money… I don’t know where any of that money came from, I’m not sure if it was planted,”'' he said in court, suggesting the ~$8k cash '''may have been “a plant” by others'''. This assertion was made '''spontaneously by Mangione''' during arraignment – notably, he was '''not yet represented by an attorney at that initial PA hearing''', and even tried to speak over his lawyer’s advice in a subsequent proceeding. Mangione’s '''implication was clear''': he contends that the cash found on him was '''planted evidence''', casting doubt on its provenance.</blockquote>