The infamous accused Midtown assassin Luigi Mangione, who allegedly fatally gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, appeared in Manhattan court Friday for the first time since his arraignment.
Mangione was swiftly whisked into the courtroom by authorities wearing a bulletproof vest with his arms and legs shackled. It took him a few steps to enter the court hallway as journalists screamed out questions.
Mere minutes before a large fanbase, consisting primarily of young women, waited to watch the proceeding; one woman showed-off a “free Luigi” scarf before entering the courtroom. Outside, hundreds of supporters brandished banners and chanted “Free Luigi” outside 100 Centre Street.
Inside the hearing commenced with prosecutors looking over evidence that has already been turned over to the defense, including police body camera footage and surveillance videos, DNA and more. Judge Gregory Carro denied Mangione to be unshackled throughout the proceedings.
Mangione stands accused of lying in wait outside of the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan earlier on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting inside the hotel later that day when an alleged masked Mangione shot him in the back with a handgun multiple times. The killing was caught on security footage and showed the gunman using a silencer to mask the gunfire before he made his getaway on a bike.
The slaying of Thompson kicked off a massive, nationwide manhunt for five days that led to a legion of cops scouring Central Park for clues after the suspect was seen biking into the green space. The NYPD utilized drivers to search for discarded evidence.
Mangione was arrested on Dec. 9 inside a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him from images released by police.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of murder, including murder as an act of terrorism. Additionally, he has been slapped with federal charges that could end in the death penalty.
Mangione’s legal team received a round of applause by his rabid fanbase, hordes of whom had been waiting to catch a glimpse of the accused killer since the early hours. Supporters have donated at least $500,000 for his legal defense fund.
“I am overwhelmed by — and grateful for — everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” Mangione said in a recent statement.
In December, NYPD police commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the administration he received.
“In the nearly two weeks since Mr. Thompson’s killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder. Social media has erupted with praise for this cowardly attack,” Tisch said. “There is no heroism in what Mangione [allegedly] did. This was a senseless act of violence. It was a cold and calculated murder.”
“I am highly disappointed in the NYPD, they have yet to provide us with the proper paperwork and they treat my client like he’s a world class criminal. Luigi wants to thank everyone for the support, this has been really tough on him. The cops surround us, and we aren’t able to get any one-on-one time,” said Karen Agnifilo, who is on Magione’s defense team. “I am disappointed that the NYPD is portraying my client with a voice over attack reacting everything that went down when he was arrested. I am watching this documentary about him and I hear the Chief of Detectives and Mayor’s voice in it. It was terrible.”
Protesters gathered to voice their support of Mangione.
“The health care system needs to be rebuilt from the top on down, they are making money hand and fist. Something needed to be done,” said Manhattan resident Roger Craig.
“My father died because the health care system is so F’d up. We need to put people before their profits,” Bronx resident Bridget Clark said.
