UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, appeared in a Manhattan court wearing a bulletproof vest, while a group of young female admirers looked on. On Friday, February 21, a judge rejected Mangione’s request to postpone his murder case.
The 26-year-old faces charges of murder and terrorism in his New York state case. He arrived in court wearing a black vest over a green cable knit sweater, with his arms and legs shackled. His attorney sought to delay the filing of “motions,” but the request was denied.
Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo stated that prosecutors are still determining whether to pursue the death penalty for Luigi Mangione. “They’re still deciding whether to seek the death penalty of Mr. Mangione,” she said, according to the New York Post. “That’s where our focus is.”
Luigi Mangione’s female admirers fill up Courthouse gallery
Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro denied Agnifilo’s request and set an April 9 deadline for the defense to file its court papers, while the District Attorney’s Office was given until April 14 to respond.
The hearing took place in a courtroom filled with Mangione’s female supporters, while demonstrators outside the courthouse cheered so loudly for him that their voices could be heard inside.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the state charges but has yet to enter a plea for the federal murder charges. A Manhattan grand jury indicted him on 11 counts, including first-degree and second-degree murder under a New York terrorism statute. Additionally, he faces multiple weapon and forgery charges.
According to his attorneys, Mangione’s next federal court hearing is scheduled for March 19, CNN reported. The federal criminal complaint against him includes charges of murder through the use of a firearm, two counts of stalking, and a firearms offense.
Recently, Mangione issued his first public statement since his arrest, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. He stated that he is “overwhelmed by” and “grateful for” all the letters his supporters have sent him. His legal team shared the statement on a website created to provide case updates and to “dispel misinformation.”