Summary:

NYPD used a $4 million spy plane to transport suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione.
The plane, typically used for detecting radiological weapons, flew Mangione from Pennsylvania to New York.
The decision sparked controversy over the use of taxpayer money.
The plane has a history of controversial uses, including a lewd flight pattern and transporting former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
A former NYPD official criticized the choice, suggesting a car would have been more appropriate.

NYPD Used $4 Million Spy Plane to Transport Suspected CEO Killer

The NYPD used its $4 million, federally funded spy plane, designed for detecting radiological weapons, to transport suspected CEO killer Luigi Mangione from Pennsylvania to New York City. This decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about the efficient use of taxpayer money.

The plane's journey, tracked by FlightAware, shows a round trip between Long Island MacArthur Airport and Blair County, Pennsylvania, on December 19th. Mangione was subsequently transferred via helicopter to Manhattan.

The NYPD's Justification

The NYPD justified the use of the plane stating it was the "most efficient and safest method" considering distance, weather, and overall circumstances.

Controversial Past of the Spy Plane

The plane's history includes past controversies. In 2018, five NYPD pilots were disciplined for flying the plane in a phallic shape, and the plane was used to transport former Mayor Bill de Blasio to his Canadian vacation.

Criticism and Questions

A former NYPD official questioned the necessity of using the expensive plane for this purpose, suggesting a standard car would have sufficed, highlighting the perceived extravagance of the operation. The incident reignites a debate about the appropriate use of specialized equipment and resources within the NYPD.

Source: New York Post