Luigi Mangione Declares ‘Not Guilty’ in Terror and Murder Charges Linked to Healthcare CEO’s Death – One America News Network
OAN Staff Blake Wolf
5:55 PM – Monday, December 23, 2024
Luigi Mangione, accused in the high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has unexpectedly entered a plea of not guilty to murder charges in New York state court on Monday.
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Mangione now faces a potential life sentence for state murder and terrorism charges, with this hearing being his first formal opportunity to address the case.
The 26-year-old pleaded not guilty to 11 charges in a New York courtroom, including first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, along with weapon and forgery-related charges.
These charges stem from an incident in which Mangione allegedly stalked and shot Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on December 4th, using a “ghost gun” before fleeing the area.
In defense, Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has accused New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD of using her client as “political fodder.”
“I am extremely worried about if my client will receive a fair trial. He is being influenced negatively by remarks from public figures,” Agnifilo stated, specifically mentioning Mayor Eric Adams. “He is a young individual, treated as a pawn in a power struggle between two jurisdictions, and he’s being made to look like a public spectacle.”
“There exists a wealth of legal precedent that protects his right to a fair trial. Unfortunately, those protections haven’t been implemented in this scenario. In fact, the opposite seems to be happening,” she remarked.
Agnifilo further condemned the display of force during Mangione’s extradition back to Manhattan for the charges, labeling it “the most exaggerated perp walk I have witnessed in my professional life.”
“What was the New York City mayor even doing at that press conference – it was purely political,” she continued, referring to Adams’ presence at the extradition announcement and his ongoing legal matters. “The New York City mayor should be the first to recognize the principle of presumption of innocence.”
Prosecutors, on the other hand, have pledged to expedite the discovery process regarding the evidence.
“I have yet to encounter a case with such a volume of evidence, aside from concerns over its quality,” stated prosecutor Joel Seidemann during the hearing. “This case is extraordinary due to the sheer amount of video footage involved.”
Judge Gregory Carro attempted to alleviate Agnifilo’s worries, assuring that Mangione’s trial would be fair, stating, “we will take great care in selecting a jury.”
Outside the courthouse, supporters for Mangione demonstrated vocally, showcasing him as a symbol for those opposing the “private, for-profit healthcare system.”
Protesters were heard chanting “healthcare is a human right!” while holding signs that proclaimed “People Over Profit” during the hearing.
If convicted on the federal murder charge, Mangione could face the death penalty; his next court appearance is scheduled for February 21st. He is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility housing Sean “Diddy” Combs.
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