The man accused of assassinating a prominent healthcare CEO returned to a New York courtroom this week, appearing upbeat as his lawyers launched a crucial legal battle to block damning evidence from his upcoming trial.
Defence Targets Key Prosecution Evidence
Luigi Mangione, 27, arrived at Manhattan's State Supreme Court on Monday wearing a grey suit for a pre-trial hearing that could determine the fate of the prosecution's case. His defence team is seeking to prevent jurors from hearing about several critical pieces of evidence, including handwritten journal entries in which Mangione allegedly declared the killing of former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was "justified."
Attorneys for the Ivy League graduate are also moving to suppress other items found in his backpack when he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, last December. These include a 3D-printed gun, a silencer, and electronic devices. The defence argues police conducted a warrantless search, violating Mangione's constitutional rights.
Outside the courthouse, legions of supporters gathered, highlighting how Mangione's arrest a year ago transformed him into an anarchist hero for some. His fans view him as a symbol for healthcare reform, sending him up to 200 letters daily while he awaits trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
A High-Stakes Legal Battle Unfolds
The hearing, which began on Monday and may last all week, centres on what evidence will be admissible when Mangione stands trial for second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which relate to the point-blank shooting of 50-year-old Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on December 4, 2024.
Prosecutors allege a 9mm handgun found in Mangione's backpack matches the weapon used in the killing. They also cite a notebook in which he reportedly described his intent to "wack" a health insurance executive and mused about rebelling against "the deadly, greed fueled health insurance cartel." The journal allegedly praised Unabomber Ted Kaczynski.
Mangione's lawyers contend that body camera footage shows an officer illegally rifling through his bag under the pretext of checking for a bomb. "This was an excuse designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search," the defence argued in filings. They also want to suppress statements Mangione made before being read his Miranda rights, including allegedly giving a false name.
Political Interference Claims and a Symbolic Anniversary
The legal proceedings carry added weight as they coincide with the first anniversary of Thompson's death. The CEO was shot as he walked to a hotel for his company's annual investor conference. Surveillance footage showed a masked gunman firing from behind.
In a separate federal case, where Mangione faces the death penalty, his attorneys have accused former President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi of political interference. They point to Trump's public comments calling the act "a sickness" and a White House proclamation referencing the assassination. Prosecutors have dismissed these claims, stating the officials involved operate entirely outside the prosecution team.
Justice Gregory Carro is slated to hear from more than 20 witnesses before ruling on the evidence's admissibility. The outcome could deal a major blow to prosecutors if the gun and journal are excluded. Mangione's team has prepared for a lengthy hearing, requesting the Bureau of Prisons supply him with multiple suits, sweaters, and five pairs of socks.
