Grinning Luigi Mangione Observes Fans in Chaotic Courtroom Scene

Luigi Mangione, 27, accused of the high-profile killing of a health-insurance executive in Manhattan last year, appeared calm and smiling at the Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, greeting a courtroom filled with his supporters.

Shackled but composed, Mangione faced a hearing where his legal team sought to exclude diary entries and other evidence from his upcoming state murder trial. The Baltimore-area native gained nationwide attention after being identified as the main suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed on a Manhattan sidewalk in December 2024.

After a massive day-long search, Mangione was captured at a McDonalds in Altoona, Pennsylvania, roughly 280 miles from New York City.

He now faces nine charges, including murder, firearms violations, and stalking, along with a separate federal death-penalty case. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The accused has attracted a fervent following, with admirers comparing him to a modern Robin Hood. His defense team even launched a website providing updates on court proceedings for public interest.

During Mondays hearing, Mangione wore a gray jacket and a red-and-white checkered shirt. Fans, dressed in green to show support, filled the back rows of the courtroom, giggling and cheering as he occasionally glanced in their direction, though he did not personally acknowledge anyone.

Prosecutors claim Mangiones diary contains detailed plans for the killing and expresses his disdain for the U.S. for-profit healthcare system. Additional evidence includes a handgun and loaded magazine recovered from his backpack. The current court sessions are expected to be critical to the state trial.

Defense attorneys argue that the search of Mangiones backpack at the Altoona McDonalds was illegal because there was no immediate threat. Karen Friedman-Agnifilo, representing Mangione, stated in a court filing that authorities conducted the search despite Mangione being in handcuffs, the backpack placed over six feet away, and separated by armed officers.

This hearing marks Mangiones first court appearance since Judge Gregory Carro dismissed a terrorism charge in September due to insufficient evidence. The defense also seeks dismissal of federal charges, claiming the case has been politicized.

Federal prosecutors, directed by Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, are pursuing the death penalty, framing it as part of a broader initiative to curb violent crime. Last month, the presiding federal judge warned that Mangiones right to a fair trial must be protected and hinted that DOJ officials may have already acted inappropriately.

Author: Sophia Brooks