NEW YORK (PIX11) – Luigi Mangione was led into New York criminal court in chains, surrounded by a massive security detail, on Monday.
Once inside the courtroom, he pleaded not guilty to 11 counts, including murder in the first degree, in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4.
Thompson was gunned down while walking on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk on his way to an investors’ meeting inside a nearby hotel.
Prosecutors argued Mangione targeted Thompson in an act of terror.
In court on Monday, one of Mangione’s attorneys claimed his client has been turned into a political pawn, robbing him of his rights as a defendant and tainting the jury pool. The attorney pointed to comments Mayor Eric Adams made last week on PIX on Politics with Dan Mannarino, among other actions by the NYPD.
“I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” said Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
Outside the courthouse, there were signs and chants supporting Mangione.
Kayla Mamolek, the mayor’s press secretary, released a statement in response to the attorney’s allegations.
“The cold-blooded assassination of Brian Thompson – a father of two – and the terror it infused on the streets of New York City for days has since been sickeningly glorified, shining a spotlight on the darkest corners of the internet. Mayor Adams’ priority is – and always has been – public safety, and he has repeatedly spoken about how social media is fueling the radicalization of our youth. Critics can say all they want, but showing up to support our law enforcement and sending the message to New Yorkers that violence and vitriol have no place in our city is who Mayor Eric Adams is to his core.”
NYC Mayor Adams' spokesperson
Mangione is due back in court on Feb. 21. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Mangione is also facing separate federal charges. If he’s convicted in that case, he could face the death penalty.
This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.
