Luigi Mangione Faces Murder Charges in NYC Court

Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering health insurance executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December, appeared in a New York court on Friday. He faces state murder and terrorism charges, as well as a federal case where he could face the death penalty.

Mangione, 26, arrived in court wearing a green sweater over a white shirt, restrained in leg and arm shackles, and a bulletproof vest. He has pleaded not guilty to an 11-count indictment, which includes murder as an act of terrorism and weapons offenses. If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.

Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s UnitedHealthcare unit, was shot dead outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4. The killing, which occurred near an investor conference, led to a five-day manhunt that gripped the nation.

Public officials have condemned the attack, but some critics of high healthcare costs have praised Mangione as a folk hero. On Friday, dozens of his supporters gathered outside the courthouse.

Mangione also faces federal charges of stalking and murder, with the potential for a death sentence. He has yet to enter a plea in that case. Avraham Moskowitz, a lawyer with death penalty case experience, recently joined his defense team.

Mangione’s lawyers have raised concerns over intense media coverage and official statements, arguing it could affect his right to a fair trial.

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