Not Guilty Plea Entered by Luigi Mangione in Murder and Terrorism Case

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty on Monday to state charges of murder and terrorism in a New York court. Mangione also faces federal charges of stalking and murder, making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has charged Mangione with:

• First-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

• Two counts of second-degree murder, including one as an act of terrorism.

• Weapons and forgery charges.

These charges are in addition to federal counts of stalking and murder, with both state and federal cases proceeding concurrently.

Prosecutors allege that Mangione’s assassination of Thompson on December 4 outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel was premeditated and intended to spread terror. Manhattan DA Bragg stated, “This killing was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation.”

Authorities recovered a notebook and manifesto from Mangione during his arrest that outlined grievances against UnitedHealthcare, accusing the company of prioritizing profit over patient care. A passage in the notebook referenced targeting “the CEO at the annual parasitic bean-counter convention.”

Mangione was apprehended on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being identified by a customer who recognized him from NYPD photos. Video footage captured the masked gunman fleeing the scene of the December 4 shooting on foot before escaping on a bike.

During his arrest, law enforcement discovered additional evidence, including shell casings marked with the phrase “Deny, Defend, Depose,” echoing language found in Mangione’s manifesto.

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, accused officials like NYC Mayor Eric Adams of politicizing the case and jeopardizing Mangione’s right to a fair trial. “This is a young man being treated like a human ping-pong ball between warring jurisdictions,” she said.

Judge Gregory Carro assured the defense that Mangione would receive a fair trial and that jury selection would be conducted with care.

Mangione’s case has sparked public interest and controversy. Outside the courthouse in Pennsylvania, around 100 supporters gathered, holding signs like “Free Luigi,” “Private Healthcare Is A Crime Against Humanity,” and other slogans reflecting anti-corporate sentiment.

Mangione faces a total of 11 counts in New York, with trials expected to draw significant public and media attention. The federal charges, which include the possibility of the death penalty, add further gravity to the proceedings.

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