Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty on Monday to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month. Mangione, who faces 11 state charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, is accused of fatally shooting Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.
Authorities allege Mangione was found with the weapon believed to have been used in the murder and that surveillance footage shows a man matching his description before and after the attack. Prosecutors argue the shooting was an act of terrorism, a designation that escalates the charges against Mangione.
Mangione is also facing federal charges, including stalking and murder. These charges introduce the possibility of the death penalty, setting up a complicated legal battle between state and federal jurisdictions.
Courtroom Appearance
Mangione appeared in court wearing a burgundy sweater, white shirt, and khaki pants, his hands and feet shackled. He quietly entered his not guilty plea, conferred with his attorneys, and listened intently as his legal team addressed the judge. His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, highlighted the complexity of the case, noting that prosecutors had presented extensive discovery materials, including thousands of hours of surveillance footage.
Friedman Agnifilo criticized the coordination between federal and state prosecutors, claiming it creates significant challenges for Mangione’s defense. She also condemned what she described as the unnecessary theatrics surrounding Mangione’s extradition and arraignment.
“He is being treated like a human ping pong ball between two warring jurisdictions,” Friedman Agnifilo said. “He’s been cooperative with law enforcement, yet he was paraded around for a spectacle meant to sway public opinion against him.”
Public Reaction and Political Debate
The case has drawn widespread public and media attention. Outside the courtroom, a small crowd of supporters gathered, with some giving Mangione a thumbs-up as he left.
Friedman Agnifilo took aim at New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was present during Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania. She accused Adams of politicizing the case and prejudicing potential jurors by publicly labeling Mangione a terrorist.
A spokesperson for Adams defended his involvement, saying, “The cold-blooded assassination of Brian Thompson— a father of two— has since been sickeningly glorified online. Mayor Adams is committed to public safety and to ensuring that violence and radicalization have no place in New York City.”
Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
Mangione remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, with bail set at a symbolic $1 due to his federal custody. His next state court appearance is scheduled for February 21.
Both federal and state prosecutors have assured that the state trial will proceed before the federal case, though the overlapping charges and differing legal theories add to the case’s complexity.
As the proceedings move forward, Mangione’s defense team continues to emphasize his right to a fair trial, arguing that media coverage and political commentary have already complicated the path to justice.
