When Luigi Mangione entered Manhattan state court on Friday afternoon, a coterie of starry-eyed supporters greeted the alleged assassin with reverent silence.
Mangione, who faces state and federal charges for allegedly fatally shooting the United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, on 4 December, was handcuffed and shackled as he walked down the aisle toward the defense table. The 26-year-old sported a cable-knit sweater over a white oxford shirt with khaki pants and tan driving loafers – as well as a ballistic vest.
Supporters who landed seats in the courtroom – about 20 of the more than 100 who showed up to court, queueing up outside at dawn – craned their necks to look, some smiling at him. These supporters were overwhelmingly women, in their 20s and 30s.
Chelsea Manning was spotted in the hallway. Asked why she was there, Manning said she was exercising her constitutional right to attend a public court proceeding.
The manner of dress at court ranged from streetwear to business casual. One woman had a “FREE LUIGI” scarf draped across the back of her neck; the all-caps text was white, against a maroon and navy background. One supporter wore a green baseball cap with an “L” on it – referring to the Nintendo video game character Luigi’s trademark chapeau.
When lead defense attorney, Karen Agnifilo – who was met with clapping and “woo!”-like cheering from upon her arrival to the 15th floor – started to speak, these supporters hung on her every word, nodding in agreement or shaking their head in disbelief.
“This is a highly publicized and covered and photographed court proceeding, with a strong public interest,” Agnifilo said in requesting that he be unshackled at court.
“There is no presumption of innocence. I go visit him regularly at [Metropolitan Detention Center], where we sit in a room. He’s completely unshackled,” Agnifilo said. “He’s a model prisoner at MDC.”
“He has not given police one single problem.”
The bid was unsuccessful. Court safety authorities said he needed to be restrained for security purposes, the judge said.
At this procedural appearance, Agnifilo addressed other aspects of the proceedings against him.
“They’re still deciding whether or not to seek the death penalty against Mr Mangione,” Agnifilo said of the federal case.
Agnifilo also said that there were “very serious” search issues related to his arrest which could undermine the legitimacy of evidence gathered.
“We think our client’s constitutional rights were violated in Pennsylvania. We want to be able to have the opportunity to litigate that,” Agnifilo said. “His right to a fair trial is continuously being impacted.”
During a press conference outside of court, Agnifilo said that the US justice department was preventing his travel to Pennsylvania, where he would fight out this evidence issue.
In court, Agnifilo also complained that New York City authorities were prioritizing public relations over their legal obligations to share evidence with them.
“The chief of detectives of the New York police department, along with the New York City mayor, had time to sit down with HBO, with hair and makeup on,” Agnifilo said, “and provide information about the arrest, the prosecution and their theory of the case – and evidence about Mr Mangione we have never even received.
“They had actors playing Luigi on television that didn’t sound anything like him.”
Mangione has maintained his innocence in the brazen street assassination. The state case against him carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, while his federal case could carry a possible death penalty.
Authorities said that both cases will continue on parallel tracks. Prosecutors said they expect Mangione’s state-level case to be tried first.
Officials allege that Mangione ambushed Thompson as the healthcare executive was walking to an investor conference at a midtown Manhattan hotel. Mangione slipped out of New York City via bus after the shooting and eluded authorities for days.
Police obtained surveillance footage showing his face which was widely publicized. He was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on 9 December after a restaurant employee called in a tip.
Authorities claim that Mangione left behind abundant evidence proving his guilt. In addition to the surveillance footage, they have claimed there were fingerprints on a cereal bar wrapper and a water bottle near the murder scene, allegedly tying him to Thompson’s slaying.
Altoona police claim to have discovered even more evidence – such as a manifesto criticizing health insurers’ prioritization of profits instead of patients, as well as a 3D-printed handgun and silencer.
Manhattan prosecutors said that two of the bullet shell casings had the words “DENY” and “DEPOSE” written on them, and one unused bullet at the scene had the word “DELAY”.
These words echo the title of the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, which has prompted many to theorize that dissatisfaction with the health-insurance industry was a possible motive.
Though accused of murder, Mangione has enjoyed an extensive outpouring of support. Thompson’s death prompted numerous US residents to voice their own frustrations with health insurers – including denials of necessary and critical services.
Mangione’s New York legal team launched a website “to provide answers to frequently asked questions, accurate information about his cases, and dispel misinformation. The intent is to share factual information regarding the unprecedented, multiple prosecutions against him.”
A letter apparently authored by Mangione appeared on the site.
“I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded [the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn] from across the country, and around the globe,” the missive said.
“While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”
The website also features a “Contributions” page, with a GiveSendGo link, for anyone who wants to give to Mangione’s legal defense. It has raised more than $500,000.
Although the proceeding was not conclusive in any legal sense, it did seem to prove that this outpouring was not confined to the internet. As Agnifilo tried to address the reporters post-proceeding, her voice was nearly drowned out by chants of “We, the people, want Luigi free!” from across the street.
