Murder of health CEO: Luigi Mangione in court again as fans gather

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and leading authorities on a five-day manhunt appeared in a Manhattan courtroom on Friday for the first time since his December arraignment on state murder and terrorism charges.

There was a circus like atmosphere as supporters cheered in the courtroom as his lawyer entered.

Court hearing to address case status

Luigi Mangione, 26, was scheduled for a hearing in state court, where prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to provide updates on the case. Judge Gregory Carro may set deadlines for pretrial motions and could even establish a trial date.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges, including murder as an act of terrorism, for the December 4 shooting of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel. The executive was ambushed and shot on a sidewalk while heading to an investor conference.

Facing state and federal charges

In addition to state charges, Mangione is also facing federal charges that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors have stated that both cases will proceed separately, with the state trial expected to take place first. If convicted on state charges, he faces life in prison without parole.

Mangione is currently being held at a Brooklyn federal jail alongside other high-profile inmates, including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried. A scheduled hearing in Pennsylvania on unrelated charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification, was canceled.

Public response and growing support

The case has fueled public outrage against the U.S. healthcare system, with Mangione gaining a cult following among those frustrated by insurance policies, denied claims, and rising medical costs. A recent poll found that most Americans believe health insurance companies bear some responsibility for the resentment that led to the attack.

Several dozen people gathered outside the courthouse ahead of Friday’s hearing, with one person wearing a green “Luigi” hat in reference to the Mario Bros. character.

Business world on high alert

Thompson’s murder has sent shock waves through the corporate world, with executives reporting an increase in threats since the attack. The longtime UnitedHealth Group executive, a married father of two, had worked at the company for 20 years and became CEO of its insurance division in 2021.

Mangione’s arrest and alleged motive

Mangione was captured on December 9 at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Police say he was carrying a gun that matched the murder weapon and a fake ID. Authorities also discovered a notebook expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.

Defense pushes back against prosecution

Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo has criticized law enforcement, arguing that competing jurisdictions have turned her client into a “human Ping-Pong ball.” She accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams of tainting the jury pool by staging a high-profile transfer of Mangione back to Manhattan under heavy security.

She also condemned Adams’ televised remarks in which he stated that he wanted to look Mangione in the eye and tell him, “You carried out this terroristic act in my city.”

With public interest continuing to grow, the case is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched trials in recent history.