Luigi Mangione Fans Smuggle Hidden Note Into Court

Fan Obsession Reaches Bizarre New Level

Luigi Mangione fans took their devotion to a strange new level during his latest court appearance. According to newly released court documents, a supporter snuck a heart-shaped note inside a pair of socks intended for the accused killer. This risky move has raised eyebrows and security concerns.

The note, carefully hidden in the cardboard packaging, read, “Know that there are thousands of people wishing you luck.” A second message was addressed to someone named “Joan,” though her identity remains unknown.

Despite the fan gesture, Mangione didn’t wear the socks. Prosecutors say he refused because they “didn’t look good.” That decision sent his social media following into a frenzy, with some even praising his bare-ankle look as “iconic.”

Luigi Mangione Fans Could Risk Security

Officials are now worried that fans could use clothing to sneak more dangerous items into the court. “Fortunately, the items smuggled were handwritten notes and not contraband capable of harming the transporting officers,” the Manhattan DA’s Office warned in a court filing.

Mangione, who has become something of a courtroom celebrity, currently faces charges for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. He has pleaded not guilty.

The high-profile nature of the case, mixed with his rising online fame, has led to growing concern among court officers and prosecutors.

Legal Team Says He’s Being Treated Unfairly

Mangione’s attorneys have argued he’s being mistreated. But the DA’s office pushed back, claiming he’s received “special treatment.” Unlike many inmates, Mangione has been allowed to wear civilian clothes to court rather than a jail uniform.

That privilege could be revoked. Prosecutors suggest that fan behavior like this could force stricter security measures in the future.

Courtroom Fashion Sparks Fan Frenzy

Luigi Mangione fans wasted no time reacting to his latest look. When he appeared in court without socks, posts praising his “bare ankles” exploded across TikTok and X. Some even speculated the sock snub was a calculated statement.

One user wrote, “He’s fighting charges and fashion norms at the same time. Iconic.” Another said, “The socks weren’t on brand, and he knew it.”

Mangione Maintains His Innocence

Despite the growing fan base and media attention, the case itself remains serious. Mangione is accused of killing Brian Thompson in a shocking daytime attack on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk. Prosecutors believe the murder was premeditated.

His defense team says the evidence will prove Mangione’s innocence. Meanwhile, the courtroom drama continues to blur the line between criminal justice and celebrity culture.

As more fans rally behind him, and security risks increase, the court may soon decide whether Mangione should continue to receive special privileges — or be treated like any other defendant.

Herbert Bauernebel

Herbert Bauernebel has been reporting from New York since 1999 and currently works for Bild.de, OE24 TV, and US Live. He also runs the news portal AmerikaReport.de. Bauernebel has covered nearly all major US events of the past quarter-century, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama’s election, Donald Trump’s surprise victory, the pandemic, last year’s election showdown, as well as natural disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. He has also reported firsthand on international events, including the Asian tsunami, the Haiti earthquake, and the Fukushima disaster. He lives in Brooklyn with his family and holds degrees in communication and political science from the University of Vienna. Bauernebel is the author of a book about his experiences on 9/11, And the Air Was Full of Ash: 9/11 – The Day That Changed My Life.