Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty on Monday to New York state charges of terrorism-linked murder in the shooting of health insurance executive Brian Thompson. Mangione appeared in a Manhattan courtroom, shackled and escorted by officers, facing an 11-count indictment that includes murder as an act of terrorism and weapons offenses. A conviction could mean life imprisonment without parole.
Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot on Dec. 4 outside a midtown Manhattan hotel hosting an investor conference. The killing and subsequent five-day manhunt drew national attention. Mangione was apprehended Dec. 9 at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and transferred to New York after waiving extradition.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, criticizing the charges as excessive. Signs displayed slogans like “Innocent Until Proven Guilty” and condemned healthcare practices. Authorities noted that phrases such as “deny, delay, depose” were found on shell casings at the crime scene, reflecting alleged grievances against the health insurance industry.
Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued he’s being treated as a political symbol, jeopardizing his right to a fair trial. She also criticized delays in receiving evidence.
Mangione is detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center and faces parallel state and federal cases. Federal charges, which could carry the death penalty, are tied to stalking and killing Thompson. Discovery for the state case is set to begin soon, with the next court appearance scheduled for Feb. 21.
Authorities discovered a notebook with writings allegedly expressing hostility toward wealthy executives and referencing plans to attack a CEO.
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