On Monday, Luigi Mangione showed up in a New York courtroom and entered a not guilty plea regarding the state charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed earlier this month outside a hotel in Manhattan.
He’s facing 11 charges in total, one of which is first-degree murder with a terrorism angle. His next court date is scheduled for February 21.
Prosecutors claim that Mangione had what they think is the weapon used in the crime and that surveillance footage captured someone resembling him both before and after the shooting, including just outside the Hilton where Thompson was shot in the back.
One major distinction between the state and federal charges against him is that state prosecutors are treating this incident as an act of terrorism.
On top of that, if he faces federal charges, there’s also a chance he could be sentenced to death.
So, Mangione, who’s 26 years old, is currently at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He showed up in federal court just last week.
Events that transpired during Luigi Mangione’s appearance in court.
Mangione walked into the courtroom with his hands and feet in shackles. He had on a burgundy sweater layered over a white collared shirt, paired with khaki pants.
During his court appearance, Mangione leaned in and quietly declared not guilty into the microphone when the judge asked for his plea.
He spent some time chatting softly with his lawyers while they were in front of the judge. His hands were free for a short while so he could sign a few documents. It looked like he was really paying attention as his attorney addressed the judge. Four officers stood by him while he sat in the courtroom.
The prosecutors mentioned that they’ve been assured by federal authorities that the state case will proceed before the federal trial kicks off.
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, asked for an expedited discovery process right away. The prosecutors noted that there’s a huge amount of discovery material to go through, including thousands of hours of surveillance footage.
He is being tossed around like a ping pong ball.
Friedman Agnifilo pointed out that Mangione is currently involved in two legal cases, one of which could lead to the death penalty. She expressed her worries in court about whether Mangione can receive a fair trial, claiming that comments from government officials have been biased against him.
He’s just a young guy being tossed around like a ping pong ball between two battling jurisdictions. The federal and state prosecutors are working together, but it’s at his expense.
They have different stories in their charges, and honestly, they’re treating him like some kind of political pawn or spectacle, Friedman Agnifilo remarked.
The way he was paraded around during what I can only describe as the most over-the-top perp walk I’ve ever witnessed was completely unnecessary.
He’s been nothing but cooperative with law enforcement—he’s already spent over a week in custody and even waived extradition.
Friedman Agnifilo also criticized Mayor Eric Adams for showing up when Mangione was brought back to New York, calling it political. She stated, There was no reason for it at all! The mayor should be well aware of the presumption of innocence that applies to everyone—including himself when he faces his own challenges.
Frankly, it seemed like he was trying to distract from his own issues by making a spectacle out of Mr. Mangione. She emphasized that Mangione isn’t just a symbol; he’s entitled to a fair trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Furthermore, she noted that the mayor’s comments could influence potential jurors—people who voted for him—by labeling Mangione as a terrorist.
She wanted to make sure everyone understood this needs to stop because her client deserves fairness and respect during this process.
Although bail was set at $1 as a symbolic gesture since he’s already in federal custody, there were plenty of reporters waiting outside the courtroom on Monday morning alongside members of the public—mostly young women—who came out to support Mangione.
Some even told CBS News New York’s Ali Bauman they were there specifically for him. Outside the courthouse, Lisa Rozner from CBS News reported about two dozen supporters gathered for Mangione as well; when he left court, several women gave him thumbs up gestures as encouragement.
Adams replies to the backers of Mangione.
Later in the day, a representative for the mayor addressed both Mangione’s lawyer and the crowd that had gathered to back the accused.
The brutal murder of Brian Thompson, who was a father of two, not only shocked our city but also sparked fear that lingered for days. Unfortunately, this tragedy has been disturbingly celebrated online, bringing attention to some of the darkest parts of the internet.
Mayor Adams has always put public safety first and has often talked about how social media is contributing to the radicalization of young people.
Critics can voice their opinions all they want, but what really matters is showing up for our law enforcement and making it clear that violence and hate have no place in New York City. That’s at the heart of who Mayor Eric Adams is, said Kayla Mamelak Altus, spokesperson for Adams.
Mangione is confronted with charges at both the state and federal levels.
Last Thursday, Mangione was escorted by heavily armed guards as he was brought from Pennsylvania to New York. He soon found himself in federal court facing charges of stalking and murder.
His attorney, Friedman Agnifilo, commented that these federal charges are quite unusual and raise some serious concerns about double jeopardy under the Constitution and statutes.
According to the federal complaint, they discovered a notebook with Mangione’s handwritten notes that showed his disdain for the health insurance industry and rich executives specifically.
Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg mentioned that his office is collaborating with the feds, but even though both cases are running at the same time, their trials will need to be scheduled separately. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim indicated that he anticipates the state case will go first.