Luigi Mangione Appears in Court for First Hearing in Brian Thompson Murder Case
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on February 21, 2025, for his first hearing since his arraignment on state murder and terrorism charges. The hearing, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, addressed procedural matters and evidence concerns raised by Mangione’s defense team.
Mangione, who pleaded not guilty, arrived in court wearing a bulletproof vest over a green sweater and khaki pants, with his hands and feet shackled. His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, requested the removal of the shackles, arguing they unfairly portrayed him as a criminal, but the judge denied the request, citing security concerns.
Prosecutors stated they had already provided a “robust amount” of evidence, including body camera footage, DNA and ballistics results, and cellphone records. However, Agnifilo contested that the evidence was insufficient and raised concerns about potential constitutional violations during Mangione’s arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where he was found with a gun, a silencer, and a handwritten document referencing the healthcare industry.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with dozens of supporters gathering outside the courthouse, including whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who cited her Sixth Amendment right to observe the proceedings. Agnifilo thanked the supporters on Mangione’s behalf, acknowledging their presence and financial contributions to his legal defense, which has raised over $500,000.
Mangione faces state charges that could result in life imprisonment without parole, as well as federal charges that carry the possibility of the death penalty. The state case is expected to proceed first, with a trial date yet to be set. The next hearing is scheduled for mid-March in federal court.
The December 4, 2024, shooting of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel sparked a nationwide manhunt and ignited debates about the healthcare industry. Mangione’s defense has accused authorities of politicizing the case and vowed to challenge the charges.
Luigi Mangione appears in court for first time since arraignment in UnitedHealthcare CEO death
Mangione's supporters started lining up outside the courthouse around 4 a.m., hoping to get a seat for his afternoon pre-trial hearing.
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