Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski The visiting press exit the front of the Blair County Courthouse after Luigi Mangione’s fugitive from justice hearing on Tuesday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

As the nation’s eyes turned again to Blair County for alleged killer Luigi Mangione’s extradition hearing Tuesday afternoon, state and local officials, as well as local residents, lauded both the person who noticed Mangione at McDonald’s and county law enforcement officers who took him into custody.

State Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, said that the prompt response by local citizens and law enforcement on Monday “shows the world that we are good people here, law-abiding citizens that pay attention to police requests.”

According to Ward, the McDonald’s patron who reported Mangione to restaurant management after recognizing the shooting suspect reflects a broader culture of “if you see something, say something.”

“I was so pleased, and so thrilled to see the exceptional police work yesterday,” Ward said.

Ward commended the rapid reaction by local law enforcement, who relied on their training and experience to apprehend Mangione without incident.

“All the training that we do, all those things came together. All the local law enforcement came together, APD, state police, NYPD, everyone worked as a team,” she said.

From the time Mangione was first identified shortly after 9 a.m. Monday, it took less than 12 hours for state police, the FBI and NYPD to arrive in Blair County to assist the Altoona Police Department.

“It showed the city’s best side,” Ward said.

Gov. Josh Shapiro joined Altoona Deputy Chief Derek Swope and NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry to address the media on Monday evening after Mangione’s arraignment, where he commended the efforts of Blair County police officers.

“(Shapiro) knows from his time as the Attorney General the good work the law enforcement in our county do, the good police work,” Ward said.

Ward said she feels “very proud” of the local community.

“Citizens of Blair County should feel safe and secure because we have well-trained officers who can respond to an incident and do it well, and do it professionally,” she added.

State Rep. Lou Schmitt, R-Altoona, said he’s glad that the media attention Altoona is receiving is positive in nature.

“I was very impressed with how APD conducted themselves, and the NYPD was very positive in how they talked about APD,” Schmitt said.

The Blair County region does not frequently receive media attention on the national stage, Schmitt said, so “it’s nice seeing Altoona get some attention for something so positive for our police department.”

This efficacy and professionalism is found in police departments across Blair County, he said.

“We’ve got some great law enforcement locally,” Schmitt said, “this was an example of our good law enforcement that reacted appropriately.”

While local residents heard about the Manhattan shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the idea the suspected killer was in Altoona had a few residents worried.

Gallitzin resident Mary Johnston said “he could be anywhere,” when she first heard the shooting suspect was spotted in Altoona, before she heard he was also quickly taken into custody.

Johnston said she followed the developing story and became concerned for others in the area after learning Mangione was carrying a weapon.

“I was scared for other people that were on the buses,” Johnston said.

Hollidaysburg resident Mike Bianco was on his daily walk Tuesday when he saw the line of local, state and national media outlets camped outside the Blair County Courthouse.

Bianco said he’s lived in the area for nearly 40 years and doesn’t remember many instances when his hometown received as much nationwide press coverage.

“I’ve been following this story ever since it transpired,” Bianco said. “It’s a huge thing for Hollidaysburg, for sure.”

Inside the courthouse, Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks fielded questions from media outlets about Mangione’s case. (See related story)

While addressing alleged threats the Altoona Police Department has received for arresting Mangione, Weeks said the county will investigate all threats seriously.

“Everyone has to do their job,” Weeks said, noting violence and threats “are not the answer” to resolve issues. “Threatening the police or anyone carrying out the duties of their jobs is unacceptable.”

Tyrone Borough Police Chief Jessica Walk commended Altoona police and the restaurant employees who brought a customer’s concern to the department’s attention.

“I think Altoona did a great job,” Walk said.

Mangione, while still a suspect, is “not a hero,” said Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky, referencing the many social media posts that portray the 26-year-old as a modern day Robin Hood, out to change a broken health care system.

“In our nation, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy issues or to express a viewpoint,” Chernisky said in a statement.

“The heroes Monday were the employee at McDonald’s and the police officers who apprehended the suspect,” Chernisky said.