Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges in New York. On December 23, 2024, days after the suspect’s notable return to the state, he was arraigned at a brief hearing in Judge Gregory Carro’s courtroom.
Luigi Mangione faces 11 state criminal charges, including first-degree murder in support of terrorism and second-degree murder with an act of terrorism. If convicted on these charges, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. A hearing has been scheduled for February 21, 2025, to present evidence that will be used at trial.
State and Federal Charges
Luigi Mangione faces 11 state criminal charges in New York and separate federal charges. His federal charges include using a firearm to commit murder, stalking resulting in death, and discharging a gun equipped with a silencer in support of committing a crime of violence. If convicted of any of the federal charges, he could face a minimum of life in prison or the death penalty. A preliminary hearing to discuss his federal charges has been scheduled for January 18, 2025.
Luigi Mangione also faces state charges in Pennsylvania, including criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree, and criminal possession of false identification in the second-degree. During his hearing on December 19 at Blair County Courthouse, he waived his right to challenge extradition.
Mangione was immediately transferred to New York after his hearing and was escorted off the plane by dozens of heavily armed officers. His defense attorney claims the charges are confusing and an attempt to pile on in an already overcharged case.
Magione’s Arraignment Hearing
As his arraignment hearing occurred, dozens of supporters gathered outside the courthouse to protest in support of Luigi Mangione’s case. One of many relatable chants they chanted in below-freezing temperatures was, “Health care is a human right, we shouldn’t have to fight.” It is insane to see the amount of supporters he has gained in a short amount of time.
One protestor in particular said she is disgusted with the negative responses to Mangione. Alex Flanigan said, “He has received so much unjust treatment from law enforcement so far, such as the perp walk, and the amount of force that accompanied the suspect,” when referring to Luigi Mangione being extradited to New York.
Mangione’s defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, defended her client by addressing the prejudicial concerns. She spoke in court on his behalf, saying, “They are treating him like he is some sort of political fodder, some sort of spectacle.” She continued, “He is not a symbol, he is someone who is afforded a right to a fair trial.”
Mangione deserves to be charged proportionately to the crime committed and tried fairly. However, it is hard to imagine Luigi Mangione receiving a fair trial due to the mass media attention, civilian support, and power of the 1%. He is expected to face a jury in 2025, but a trial date has yet to be set.
Observing Mangione’s Reaction
On video, Luigi Mangione pleads not guilty to the charges brought against him. While he is being read his charges, and then escorted out of the courtroom, his head remains held high. For someone facing the death penalty, Mangione seems unbothered and fairly confident in himself. His confidence might stem from the hope of being tried on criminal charges, increasing his chances of a hung jury. In a criminal trial, the defendant must be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This means no one on the jury can oppose a guilty verdict, or the defendant will be found not guilty.
