Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges in New York Supreme Court
Luigi Mangione, the alleged Midtown assassin accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in front of a hotel earlier this month, appeared in New York Supreme Court Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to state murder charges.
A Slew of Admirers and Protesters Gather Outside the Courthouse
Hours before Mangione was set to appear before a judge in Lower Manhattan, a rabid fanbase — consisting mostly of young women — lined up outside the courthouse in freezing temperatures in order to catch a glimpse of the alleged killer-turned-internet sensation. While a slew of apparent admirers scrambled to get inside, many more staged a protest outside the courthouse, condemning healthcare CEOs.
Mangione’s Court Appearance
Mangione was perp walked in chains through the hallway with cops flanking him. Though he arrived in New York Thursday in an orange jumpsuit following his extradition from Pennsylvania, on Monday, he wore a modest red sweater over a white shirt and brown slacks. Although he refused to speak to members of the media as he passed, inside the courtroom, Mangione answered not guilty to some 11 state charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism during an arraignment hearing before Judge Gregory Carro. Attorney Karen Friedman Agifilo represented Mangione at the proceeding.
Next Steps
Despite facing lofty state charges, the 26-year-old suspect will most likely be returned to federal custody to also face murder charges in that jurisdiction — a conviction of which could result in the death penalty. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, PA on December 9 following a massive nationwide manhunt after Thompson was executed on December 4 outside of the Midtown Hilton Hotel with a 3D-printed ghost gun — a weapon that has plagued the NYPD in recent years.
Background on the Case
Mangione was arrested after a massive nationwide manhunt following the execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of the Midtown Hilton Hotel on December 4. Thompson was shot with a 3D-printed ghost gun, which has been a concern for the NYPD in recent years. The gun was found with the words “Deny”, “Defend”, and “Depose” scrawled on the bullet shell casings.
Police Investigation
According to court records, Mangione gave cops a fake name but began shaking when they asked him if he had been to “New York recently.” On December 19, Mangione waived extradition court in Blair County, PA and was returned to the Big Apple.
Reactions from Authorities
“We allege that Luigi Mangione carried out the brazen, targeted and fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. This type of premeditated, targeted gun violence cannot and will not be tolerated, and my office has been working day in and day out to bring the defendant to justice,” District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
Conclusion
Mangione’s next state court appearance is scheduled to take place in February. The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Luigi Mangione?
A: Mangione is charged with 11 state charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.
Q: What is a ghost gun?
A: A ghost gun is a 3D-printed firearm, which has been a concern for the NYPD in recent years.
Q: What is the significance of the words “Deny”, “Defend”, and “Depose” on the bullet shell casings?
A: The significance of the words is unclear, but they may be a clue to the motive behind the murder.
Q: What is the potential punishment for Mangione if convicted?
A: If convicted, Mangione could face the death penalty.
