Luigi Mangione’s latest court appearance was anything but quiet. The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson showed up in Manhattan’s State Supreme Court on Feb. 21, wearing a green sweater, a white collared shirt, khaki pants — and a bulletproof vest.
The case has been making headlines since Thompson was shot outside an investor conference in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 4, 2024. Mangione now faces murder and terrorism charges, and the courtroom was packed with more than 100 of his supporters.
But the drama didn’t stop there. After the hearing, Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, called out the media’s portrayal of her client, saying his right to a fair trial was at risk. She was especially upset about an HBO documentary on the case featuring NYPD officials and even Mayor Eric Adams. According to her, actors in the show who played Mangione didn’t even sound like him.
“I was sitting there learning about the case, hearing an actor read out Luigi’s stuff,” Friedman Agnifilo said outside the courthouse.
The hearing itself was brief but intense. Judge Gregory Carro ordered Mangione to stay handcuffed throughout the session, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, Mangione’s legal team is juggling this case alongside a separate federal murder case, where he could face the death penalty. Though he has pleaded not guilty to the state charges in New York, he hasn’t yet entered a plea in the federal case. He remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Despite the serious charges, Mangione has built a surprising wave of support. Frustrations with the American healthcare system have fueled a massive legal defense fundraiser that’s already raised over $500,000. His legal team, Agnifilo Intrater, also represents high-profile clients like Sean “Diddy” Combs.
With so many eyes on this case and tensions running high, one thing’s for sure — this courtroom battle is far from over.
