The arrests attracted a large crowd and gathered in the courthouse.
Luigi Mangione, 26, accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded innocent Friday to federal murder in Manhattan federal court.
Mangion, who is serving a mustard collar prison case, stood among his lawyers and asked if he understood the charges charged with Thompson’s December shooting outside Mike’s midtown hotel, so he leaned against him. Mangion confirmed his understanding and when asked to plead him, he replied “not guilty” before he took his seat.
The arrest drew a massive crowd and gathered in court, including former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Some supporters lined up for hours to secure seating inside, while others were joined by an ad truck that gathered outside to showcase videos critical of the health insurance industry and the death penalty.
Later Thursday, federal prosecutors filed an official notice of their intention to pursue the death penalty just weeks after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy announced the government’s decision to seek the death penalty for “political violence” and the government’s decision to “preliminary, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.”
Bondi’s April 1 statement resumed federal enforcement and highlighted the administration’s commitment to implementing President Trump’s (Donald’s) agenda to stop violent crime and make America safe again.
This is the first time the Justice Department has pursued the death penalty since Trump took office in January, when he signed an executive order instructing federal authorities to help obtain enforcement drugs and seek the death penalty in severe criminal cases.
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“While claiming to protect against murder, the federal government is moving to commit murders sponsored by Luigi’s pre-embedded state,” said lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
The judge addressed such concerns in the court and told federal prosecutors to remind Department of Justice officials that court rules prohibit pretrial advertising that could undermine the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Fees and evidence
Federal charges against Mangion include charges of murder with firearms, stalking and gun charges, with the murder charges posing the possibility of death penalty.
Surveillance footage shows a masked gunman shot Thompson from behind when he arrived for UnitedHealthcare’s annual Investors Conference. Police said the ammunition used in the shooting was marked with words “delay,” “denial,” and “retirement,” reflecting existing criticisms about how the insurance industry handles claims.
The notebook recovered at Mangion’s arrest reportedly contained entries expressing their intent to target the insurance sector.
Arrest and aftermath
Mangion was arrested on December 9th in Altoona, Pennsylvania, more than 200 miles from New York City, following a five-day Manhunt. Authorities say he was found with a 9mm handgun that matches the weapon used in the crime, a sound suppression device, multiple fake IDs and other items.
Mangion is in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His next federal court appearance is scheduled for December 5th, shortly after the first anniversary of Thompson’s death, with a state court appearance set for June 26th. In either case, no court date is set.
If convicted in federal court, Mangion faces another penalty phase, and the ju court must unanimously recommend the death penalty to impose it.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
