• Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty to state charges of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with prosecutors alleging terrorism as a motive; separate federal charges are also filed.
• Authorities claim Mangione was found with the suspected murder weapon, and his notebook expressed hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.
• Mangione’s defense criticized public statements, including those by Mayor Eric Adams, as prejudicial and raised concerns about his treatment across state and federal jurisdictions.

Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty on Monday in a New York courtroom to state charges connected to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel earlier this month. Prosecutors allege Mangione carried out the shooting as an act of terrorism, a claim that sets the state case apart from federal charges also filed against him.

Evidence Presented by Prosecutors

Authorities say Mangione was found with what they believe to be the murder weapon, and surveillance footage captured a man matching his description near the Hilton hotel before and after the fatal attack. Prosecutors also revealed Mangione was carrying a notebook containing handwritten pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives.

Court Appearance and Plea

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Mangione appeared in court wearing a maroon sweater over a white collared shirt and khaki pants, his hands and feet shackled. When asked to enter his plea, he leaned into a microphone and said, “not guilty.” During the brief court session, his hands were unshackled temporarily to sign paperwork. His next court date is set for February 21.

Defense Attorney Criticizes Case Handling

Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo criticized the handling of the case, arguing Mangione is being unfairly portrayed and denied a fair trial. She expressed concern over public statements by officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, whom she accused of prejudicing potential jurors by calling Mangione a terrorist. She also voiced frustration over Mangione’s transfer between state and federal jurisdictions, likening it to being treated like a “human ping pong ball.”

Federal and State Cases Proceed Separately

Mangione currently remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after also appearing in federal court last week on stalking and murder charges. The state and federal cases, which prosecutors confirmed will proceed separately, present differing legal theories, with the federal charges raising the possibility of the death penalty.

Supporters Attend Court Session

Supporters of Mangione, mainly young women, attended the court session and gathered outside the courthouse. Some gave him a thumbs-up as he left the courtroom under heavy guard. Roughly two dozen people stood outside in a show of solidarity despite the high-profile accusations against him.

Coordination Between State and Federal Prosecutors

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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated his office is coordinating closely with federal prosecutors, but the state trial is expected to begin first. Meanwhile, Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim acknowledged the complexity of managing simultaneous cases but affirmed their commitment to pursuing justice.

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