Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty on Monday in a New York courtroom to state charges in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot earlier this month outside a Manhattan hotel. Mangione faces 11 state charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, with his next court appearance scheduled for February 21.
State prosecutors allege that Mangione was in possession of the suspected murder weapon and was captured on surveillance footage near the crime scene at the Hilton hotel before and after the attack. While both state and federal prosecutors are pursuing charges against Mangione, the state case emphasizes the shooting as an act of terrorism, whereas federal charges could carry the death penalty.
Mangione, 26, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. In court, he appeared in shackles, wearing a burgundy sweater over a white shirt and khaki. He calmly stated “not guilty” when prompted by the judge.
During the hearing, his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, requested expedited discovery due to the large volume of evidence, including thousands of hours of surveillance footage.
Friedman Agnifilo expressed concerns about her client’s ability to receive a fair trial, accusing authorities of prejudicial actions and using Mangione as a “political spectacle.” She criticized New York Mayor Eric Adams for his public statements and presence during Mangione’s extradition, calling it a political maneuver that undermined Mangione’s presumption of innocence.
Mangione’s bail was set at $1, though it is symbolic since he remains in federal custody.
The courtroom attracted significant public attention, including a group of young women expressing support for Mangione. Outside, approximately two dozen individuals also gathered in solidarity.
Mayor Adams’ office defended his involvement, citing public safety and the need to address radicalization on social media, which prosecutors claim played a role in Mangione’s alleged motivations. A notebook found in Mangione’s possession reportedly contained anti-health insurance industry sentiments and hostility toward wealthy executives.
Both federal and state trials are expected to proceed, with state prosecutors indicating their case will take priority.
Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim confirmed coordination between the two jurisdictions while addressing potential double jeopardy concerns raised by Mangione’s defense.
