Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a New York criminal court on Friday to face murder and terrorism charges. The 26-year-old, who has become a polarizing figure, was met by crowds of supporters as his case continues to unfold.
Court Appearance & Legal Battle
Mangione arrived at court at 2:24 p.m., wearing a bulletproof vest and a green sweater. Prosecutors revealed they had provided 800 GB of discovery material, including surveillance footage, forensic reports, and phone records.
Defence attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo raised concerns over the case, alleging police in Altoona, Pennsylvania, may have violated Mangione’s constitutional rights during his arrest. She also criticized an HBO documentary featuring New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials discussing evidence before the defence had received it.
“I understand the NYPD’s need for a press conference,” Agnifilo told reporters. “I didn’t understand how this week on HBO I see NYPD in makeup talking about evidence in the case that we had not received.”
The hearing lasted approximately 10 minutes before Mangione was escorted out of the courtroom.
Public Support & Political Undertones
Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters gathered, chanting, “We, the people, want Luigi free.” Many wore green—an apparent reference to the Nintendo character “Luigi”—and displayed signs advocating for Mangione’s release. Scarves with the slogan “Free Luigi” were also spotted in the crowd.
Despite facing severe charges, Mangione has amassed significant public backing. Donations to his legal defence fund have exceeded $500,000, with over 10,000 donors contributing in the past ten days alone. Some have even called him a “modern-day Robin Hood,” aligning him with growing discontent toward corporate healthcare policies.
However, his supporters’ influence has raised concerns about jury nullification, where jurors acquit based on personal beliefs rather than legal evidence.
“Jury selection is going to be critical in Mangione’s case,” said defence attorney Edwina Elcox. “He is viewed as a modern-day Robin Hood.”
The Alleged Crime & Investigation
Mangione is accused of stalking and executing Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in early December. Surveillance footage shows a suspect approaching Thompson from behind and firing multiple rounds before walking away.
Authorities claim Mangione meticulously planned the attack, allegedly keeping a journal detailing his motive—to ignite public discourse on healthcare. Prosecutors say he arrived in New York a week in advance, scouted locations, and was carrying a gun linked to the murder when arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona days later.
During his arrest, police reportedly found:
- The suspected murder weapon
- A 3D-printed suppressor
- Fake ID matching his NYC hostel check-in
Adding another layer of controversy, bullet casings found at the crime scene were inscribed with the words “defend,” “depose,” and “deny”—eerily similar to the title of a 2010 book criticizing the insurance industry, Delay, Deny, Defend.
Federal Case Looms Over State Trial
While Mangione is currently facing New York state murder and terrorism charges, he is also entangled in separate criminal proceedings in Pennsylvania and federal court.
Retired NYPD inspector Paul Mauro warns that if Mangione’s state trial falters due to public sentiment, the federal case could lead to even harsher consequences.
“Jury nullification could always be an issue,” Mauro told Fox News Digital. “But I don’t think even Manhattan’s justice system has been that completely defanged.”
The federal charges carry the possibility of life in prison without parole—or even the death penalty.
