Introduction to the Case
Luigi Mangione, a 27-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel last December, has had his lawyers urge a Manhattan judge to end the use of shackles and a bulletproof vest during his court appearances. The lawyers argue that the widely circulated images of Mangione in restraints are fueling public prejudice and jeopardizing his right to a fair trial.
The Motion to Remove Shackles
In a motion filed Tuesday, Mangione’s legal team, led by attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, asked Justice Gregory Carro to grant a request permitting Mangione to sit unshackled at the defense table and wear civilian clothing during his next appearance on June 26. The lawyers argue that the current security measures, including handcuffs and a vest, are unnecessary, deeply prejudicial, and compromise Mangione’s ability to participate in his own defense.
Mangione’s Behavior in Custody
Mangione has been in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since December 19, 2024, following his extradition from Pennsylvania. His lawyers say he has shown no signs of being a flight or safety risk and that he is held in the general population, unshackled during visits, and assigned to a work detail at MDC.
Mangione pictured on Feb. 21, shackled and wearing a bullet-proof vest as he’s escorted into Manhattan court
Photo by Dean Moses
Prejudicial Media Exposure
The June 3 motion claims Mangione has been subject to prejudicial media exposure since his transfer to New York, beginning with a widely publicized perp walk flanked by NYPD and FBI officers, some of whom were heavily armored and carrying machine guns. “The authorities… should not use Your Honor’s courtroom and Mr. Mangione’s court appearances to perpetuate a false narrative that Mr. Mangione is an unusual danger requiring extraordinary security measures,” the motion states. “He has been a model prisoner and a model defendant in court.”
Alleged Midtown assassin Luigi Mangione is surrounded by heavily-armed police and federal agents upon his arrival at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on Dec. 19, 2024.
Photo by Dean Moses
Impact on Future Jurors
While no jury is present during pretrial hearings, Mangione’s defense said the case’s high public profile and heavy media coverage mean that images of Mangione in restraints are likely to influence future jurors. “Every court appearance is widely covered by the news and social media-providing video footage, still images, court sketches, online content, and multiple purported ‘documentaries’ where actors attempt to recreate every alleged aspect of this case,” the lawyers wrote.
Interference with Defense
The filing said one image from a Feb. 21 court appearance showing Mangione’s ankles in shackles reportedly garnered over 36 million views on the social media site X. The motion also raised concerns that the restraints interfere with Mangione’s ability to confer with his attorneys and review documents during proceedings.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges in both state and federal court stemming from the Dec. 4, 2024, killing of Thompson. A conviction on the top state charge could result in life imprisonment. In federal court, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, alleging the killing was premeditated and ideologically motivated. Prosecutors say Mangione traveled to New York in late November with plans to stalk and assassinate Thompson using a homemade silenced firearm, in an attempt to incite opposition to the health insurance industry.
Conclusion
The defense motion concludes by stating that there is no justification to treat Mangione’s security protocol differently in state court than in the more serious federal court case where he faces potential execution. By allowing Mangione to appear with his hands unshackled, without a bulletproof vest, and wearing normal clothes, the court will reinforce Mangione’s presumption of innocence and limit the pretrial prejudice that Mangione faces given that images from the court appearance will undoubtedly be viewed millions of times and by potential jurors. A spokesperson for the Manhattan DA’s Office declined to comment on the motion.
FAQs
- Q: Why are Mangione’s lawyers asking for the removal of shackles and a bulletproof vest?
A: The lawyers argue that the current security measures are unnecessary, deeply prejudicial, and compromise Mangione’s ability to participate in his own defense. - Q: What is the potential penalty if Mangione is convicted?
A: A conviction on the top state charge could result in life imprisonment, and in federal court, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. - Q: How has Mangione behaved while in custody?
A: Mangione has shown no signs of being a flight or safety risk and is held in the general population, unshackled during visits, and assigned to a work detail at MDC. - Q: Why is the defense concerned about media coverage?
A: The defense is concerned that the widely circulated images of Mangione in restraints will influence future jurors and perpetuate a false narrative about Mangione being an unusual danger.
