The man charged with killing the reputed boss of the Gambino crime family wrote pro-Donald Trump slogans on his hand and flashed them to journalists before a court hearing Monday.
Anthony Comello was arrested Saturday in Brick following the death of Francesco Cali last week in front of his Staten Island home.
While waiting for an extradition hearing to begin in Toms River, Comello held up his left hand. On it was scrawled pro-Trump slogans including "MAGA Forever," an abbreviation of Trump's campaign slogan "Make America Great Again." It also read "United We Stand MAGA."
Comello's lawyer, Brian Neary, would not discuss the writing on his client's hand, nor would he say whether Comello maintains his innocence.
Comello waived extradition and will return to New York to face the charges.
Comello will be represented by New York attorney Robert Gottlieb once he faces court in New York.
Gottlieb says in a statement that Comello has been placed in protective custody "because of serious threats."
Comello will be arraigned in Staten Island March 25.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.