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Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state murder charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan court on Monday, The Associated Press reported.
Mangione, 26, is accused of shooting Thompson on Dec. 4 in Midtown Manhattan in what authorities describe as a premeditated and targeted act. A grand jury in New York indicted Mangione on charges of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder, and several weapons-related charges. The charges include terrorism-related counts, as prosecutors claim the shooting was intended to instill fear and influence government actions.
He is currently being held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn. He had been scheduled for arraignment on state charges Thursday, but proceedings were delayed when federal authorities announced they were also bringing charges against him. Mangione's defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, called the situation "highly unusual" and "confusing" during court proceedings.
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OPINION: Was the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder terrorism?
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently claimed that the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO earlier this month "was a killing that was intended to evoke terror."
And now prosecutors have charged the shooter, Luigi Mangione, with terrorism. This cold-blooded execution on a New York City street in broad daylight was a shocking act of violence. But does it meet the threshold of terrorism?
Political scientists have debated to death the definition of terrorism. And still there is no consensus. The terrorism scholar Alex Schmid spent decades researching the elusive definition of terrorism and concluded that the "search for an adequate definition is still on." He and other scholars such as Walter Laqueur have identified hundreds of terrorist definitions.
Mangione supporter and former inmate shares letter she sent him
A Luigi Mangione supporter and former inmate-turned-prison-reform advocate has shared the letter than she sent Mangione while he is in jail.
Lindsy Floyd, who spent two years in prison after pleading guilty to automobile homicide while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2015, shared a video on TikTok where she read out the letter she sent to the CEO killer suspect.
"I offer my friendship and support. I have seen what you've shared and I acknowledge your suffering. I understand. I see you," Floyd read out in the clip.
She also offered advice on how Mangione could pass his days in prison.
Floyd said that her biggest challenge behind bars had been "reconciling the wide gap between my intellectual framework and the reality of the system."
"To nurture my sanity, I filled my time with available programs and more importantly, I used my free time to read and write."
Luigi Mangione's fan mail and monetary support pile up in prison
Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has received dozens of letters and emails as well as monetary support while in prison, a report by the New York Post has revealed.
Mangione's supporters have flocked to social media, posting videos admiring the 26-year-old Ivy League graduate for the crime he has been accused of and even his looks. Some have even offered to pay his legal bills, according to Mangione's Pennsylvania lawyer Thomas Dickey.
It seems that some people's admiration for Mangione has exceeded beyond social media, with Mangione reportedly receiving dozens of communications and over 100 commissary deposits.
The Post reported, citing correction officials, that Mangione received 54 emails, 87 physical letters and 163 deposits into an account allowing him to buy commissary items while at the Huntingdon State Correctional Institute in Pennsylvania.
The number of letters sent to Mangione has actually grown since the Post learned of Mangione's fan mail with Maria Bivens, press secretary for Pennsylvania's Department of Corrections, telling Newsweek via email Saturday afternoon that Mangione has received "127 pieces of mail" as of Friday afternoon.
Bivens could not disclose the contents of the communications Mangione was receiving as "contents of his private mail is not public information."
The Post has called them "love letters" given what some people have shared online about the communications.
Bivens, meanwhile, could not say how much money was deposited into Mangione's commissary account, telling Newsweek, "His banking/account information is not public information."
Who is Gregory Carro? Judge overseeing Luigi Mangione murder trial
Gregory Carro has been named as the judge overseeing Luigi Mangione's trial for the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Carro has a reputation for being tough on crime and has experience with crimes that carry a terrorism enhancement.
In November, he handed down a 10-year sentence to Christopher Brown, a 23-year-old man who had threatened to attack a synagogue. He added on five years of post-release supervision.
Carro is a second-generation judge. When his father, John, came to the U.S. from Puerto Rico in 1937, he spoke no English, according to a 1998 family profile in The New York Times. John Carro later became an attorney and had a passion for representing Latinos in human rights cases and wanted more Latinos in the legal profession.
Gregory was one of seven children in the family. They moved from the Bronx to a more spacious home in Rockland County as John Carro's legal career blossomed. Gregory and three of his siblings became lawyers, another became a doctor.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani appointed Gregory Carro as a judge in 1998 on a salary of over $103,000 a year.
"He is reserved and careful where his father was outspoken and colorful," The New York Times noted at the time.
Gregory Carro, who has been on the bench for more than 25 years, is known as being tough on bail. In one high profile case in 2013, he refused bail to Sylvia Mitchell, a psychic who was convicted by a jury of swindling $138,000 from her clients.
Former ADA calls terrorism charge in Mangione case a 'bit of a stretch'
Former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Saland expressed skepticism on Tuesday about the new murder as an act of terrorism charge against Luigi Mangione. Appearing on CNN, Saland described the charge as "a bit of a stretch," explaining that while the murder of a police officer or key witness could warrant such a charge, the killing of a corporate CEO does not necessarily meet those criteria.
Mangione, 26, is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on December 4. The terrorism charge, under New York law, can be applied if the act is intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or influence government policies. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg introduced this charge alongside the standard first-degree murder charge.
Saland questioned the application of the terrorism charge, noting that it could create complications and might be seen as an attempt to send a political message. He suggested that the case could raise concerns about why the murder of a CEO should be treated differently from other homicides.
Mangione was arrested days after the shooting and is facing additional charges in Pennsylvania for possession of a fake ID and a ghost gun.
Luigi Mangione prosecutors have a jury problem: 'So much sympathy'
An attorney has said that jury selection may be very difficult in Luigi Mangione's murder trial as there is so much public sympathy for the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Neama Rahmani, who was a federal prosecutor in California, said that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg will have to be very careful during the jury selection process.
"I've never seen an alleged murderer receive so much sympathy. To many people, Mangione is a hero of sorts," Rahmani said.
Rahmani, now president of West Coast Trial Lawyers law firm in California, said that prosecutors must look out for pro-Mangione sympathizers who may try to get on the jury.
"District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is going to have to weed out 'stealth jurors' during voir dire. They may want to acquit to send a message to health insurance companies," he said.
Voir Dire is the process through which prosecution and defense teams ask jurors written and oral questions to assess their sympathies.
Both teams will be given an opportunity to eliminate potential jurors they believe are too sympathetic to one side or the other.
Dozens of young women in courtroom to support Luigi Mangione
About "two dozen" women were in the court's public gallery today to support gunman Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to multiple news reports.
Many of the women were wearing face masks and some were visibly emotional, according to ABC news.
This is not the first time Mangione has seen support because of his looks, especially after an image of him smiling, unmasked at a New York City hostel hit the internet. Many have joked on social media that the gunman is joining a list of "hot criminals" that also includes Jeremy Meeks who was arrested in 2014 for illegal gun possession and gun activity and has since become a model.
Accounts like @HotforLuigi have also popped up on X, formerly known as Twitter.
CBS reporter Ali Bauman, wrote on X: "I'm in Manhattan Criminal Court ahead of Luigi Mangione's arraignment on state charges. Next to line of reporters waiting to go in courtroom, there is a line for general public- almost all young women seemingly in their early 20s."
Full list of suspect's New York charges
Murder In The First Degree In Furtherance of Terrorism
A class A-I felony
Maximum Penalty: Life With Parole
Murder In The Second Degree
A class A-I felony, (two counts)
Maximum Penalty: Life With Parole
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
A class C felony, (two counts)
Maximum Penalty: 15 years [with 3 and a half year minimum]
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree
A class D felony, (four counts)
Maximum Penalty: Seven years [with a two year minimum]
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
A class E felony, (one count)
Maximum Sentence: 1 year
Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree
A class D felony, (one count)
Maximum Sentence: 7 years
School districts file lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies over inflated insulin prices
Dozens of school districts across the U.S. are taking legal action against pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and UnitedHealthcare, accusing them of inflating insulin prices. Between October 29 and December 18, 35 school districts and three counties have filed suits in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. These lawsuits are part of a larger group of over 200 districts nationwide. The plaintiffs seek damages, restitution, and penalties, arguing that the defendants' actions resulted in fraud and unjust enrichment.
The lawsuits highlight the rising cost of insulin, a life-sustaining drug for millions of Americans with diabetes. Despite production costs decreasing, the price of insulin has surged in recent decades, with some prices reaching up to $700 per vial. The complaints accuse PBMs, like CVS Caremark and OptumRx, of manipulating the system by demanding large rebates from drug manufacturers in exchange for favorable placement on formularies, which led to inflated drug prices for health plans.
Pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi have denied the allegations, with representatives stating that the school districts and health plans negotiate the terms of their rebate arrangements. Some have also emphasized their efforts to reduce out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients. Despite this, the lawsuits continue to draw attention to the broader issue of high insulin prices and their impact on patients and health plans alike. More school districts are expected to join the legal battle in the coming weeks.
The suits come at a time when the issue of corporate greed is under increased scrutiny, especially after the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. While the shooter, Luigi Mangione, was not directly involved with the company, his alleged actions reflect growing frustration toward the health insurance industry and the rising cost of life-sustaining medications, like insulin. Mangione, reportedly motivated by anger toward corporate practices, is said to have been driven by similar frustrations that these lawsuits target, especially concerning the inflated costs of essential drugs.
Was the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder terrorism? | Opinion
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg recently claimed that the murder of the UnitedHealthcare CEO earlier this month "was a killing that was intended to evoke terror." And now prosecutors have charged the shooter, Luigi Mangione, with terrorism. This cold-blooded execution on a New York City street in broad daylight was a shocking act of violence. But does it meet the threshold of terrorism?
Political scientists have debated to death the definition of terrorism. And still there is no consensus. The terrorism scholar Alex Schmid spent decades researching the elusive definition of terrorism and concluded that the "search for an adequate definition is still on." He and other scholars such as Walter Laqueur have identified hundreds of terrorist definitions.
Supporters raise funds for Luigi Mangione's defense amid growing concerns
As the case progresses, supporters of Mangione have raised over $187,000 through crowdfunding platforms, including one on GiveSendGo. The fundraiser, organized by an anonymous group called "The December 4th Legal Committee," claims to advocate for Mangione's right to fair legal representation, though it has sparked controversy due to the nature of the charges.
Some of Mangione's supporters have left messages of praise for him, while others have criticized the fundraising efforts.
Platforms like GoFundMe have removed similar campaigns, and Amazon and Etsy have pulled merchandise linked to Mangione.
Law enforcement has expressed concern that the suspect is being turned into a martyr, with some supporters advocating for further violence against executives.
What we know about his prosecutors in New York
Luigi Mangione on Thursday was charged in New York City with four federal crimes including murder through the use of a firearm in the December 4 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of New York Dominic A. Gentile, Jun Xiang and Alexandra Messiter would be prosecuting the federal case.
Newsweek reached out for comment to Mangione's defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo via email on Thursday night.
Experts warn the Luigi Mangione trials may attract 'stealth jurors'
Legal experts have warned that the Luigi Mangione trials may attract "stealth jurors."
A stealth juror is someone who conceals their biases or motives to secure a seat on the jury with the intent of influencing the outcome.
With such strong public support for Mangione, there are fears some potential jurors could attempt to hide their favor for him during jury selection.
"I've never seen an alleged murderer receive so much sympathy. To many people, Mangione is a hero of sorts," attorney and former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Newsweek.
He added the Manhattan DA's office would have to "weed out" stealth jurors who "may want to acquit to send a message to health insurance companies."
Criminal defense lawyer Mark Geragos said on a NewsNation newscast that the federal cases, such as the one against Mangione, traditionally allow a lot less time for jury selection, raising the risk of stealth jurors even further.
"If you're going to try to identify—if you're the prosecutor or the defense—a 'stealth juror' in a high-profile case, and that's the biggest fear on both sides, you don't have too much time to be able to do that," he said.
Luigi Mangione's image as Jesus goes viral, sparks mixed reactions
A controversial image of Luigi Mangione went viral on social media. The picture, discovered by WMAR-2 reporter Elizabeth Worthington at Vito's Pizza in Baltimore City, depicts Mangione in holy robes with a golden halo, resembling depictions of Jesus Christ.
The photo, which has gained widespread attention, has sparked a mix of reactions online. Some people found it humorous or even inspiring, while others called it blasphemous. One commenter on X, formerly Twitter, remarked, "Pretty sure Jesus didn't kill anyone," reflecting the divided opinion on the image.
Worthington's post has garnered over 3.9 million views and more than 192,000 likes as of Friday morning. When Newsweek reached out to Vito's Pizza for comment, an employee stated that the boss was unavailable. Despite the mixed responses, the image continues to fuel debate across social media.
Retired NYPD commander warns DA Alvin Bragg about challenges in Mangione case
Retired NYPD lieutenant commander Joe Cardinale has issued a caution to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as he oversees the case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Cardinale expressed concern that many will be looking to exploit any potential flaws in the prosecution's case.
"He's not a hero, he's a zero," Cardinale said of Mangione. While Cardinale expressed hope that Bragg would push the case through to a thorough resolution, he emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant.
"With [Mangione] being a hero to some... They look for little flaws in the case and capitalize on that," Cardinale warned.
Four in 10 young people say Brian Thompson killing was acceptable
Four in 10 young people believe the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was "acceptable," according to an Emerson College poll.
The survey found that 41 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29 found the shooting to either be "somewhat" or "completely" acceptable, a percentage that is far greater than any other age group.
Twenty-three percent of those in their 30s believe the shooting was acceptable, while 13 percent of those in their 40s found it acceptable. At 8 percent, those in their 50s were least likely to say it was acceptable. Only 10 percent of those in their 60s and 70s said it was acceptable.
The poll surveyed 1,000 voters from December 11 to 13 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Supporters fill courtroom for suspect Luigi Mangione's appearance
About two dozen women showed up in the public gallery at the Manhattan courtroom on Monday to support 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, shackled and dressed in a maroon sweater over a white shirt, pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges. While his family was absent, around 24 women, some visibly emotional and many wearing face masks, attended the hearing, according to reports.
Mangione, who has attracted attention on social media for his looks, has gained an online following, with accounts such as @HotforLuigi emerging on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). The phenomenon recalls the rise of "hot criminals" like Jeremy Meeks, who gained fame after his arrest in 2014. In a video shared on X, masked women were seen singing "The Hanging Tree" outside the courthouse, a song made popular by The Hunger Games.
Mangione's defense attorney has yet to comment on the courtroom support.
What Mangione's lawyer said about his high profile perp walk
On Friday, Luigi Mangione was helicoptered into the middle of Manhattan where he was met by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and scores of heavily armed police for, what is lawyer called, "the biggest perp walk I've ever seen."
Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo slammed Mayor Adam appearance at the perp walk as "unconstitutional."
"The mayor should know about due process, given his own problems. I think he was there to try to take away from those issues," she said, referring to the federal corruption charges Adams is facing.
She added that her client was "being treated like political fodder."
"[Mayor Adams] wanted to show symbolism. But my client is not a symbol."
Adams' press secretary, Kayla Mamelak Altus, told Newsweek via email Monday that the mayor's presence at Mangioni's perp walk was "showing up to support our law enforcement as they extradited a brutal killer 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."
Luigi Mangione to appear in federal court on January 18
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is scheduled to return to federal court on January 18.
Mangione is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is incarcerated on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
Two dozen women packed Mangione courtroom
At least two dozen women packed the courtroom to hear Luigi Mangione's plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione walked into Manhattan Supreme Court today wearing a maroon sweater , a white collared shirt, tan khakis, and orange prison shoes.
He faced a busy courtroom of at least 24 women and six men.
The 26-year-old flashed a grin during the hearing, where he was asked how he would plead.
"Not guilty," he responded.
Risk Luigi Mangione trial ends in hung jury 'absolutely' elevated, says lawyer
The jury trial against Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson, faces an "absolutely" elevated risk of a hung jury, former federal prosecutor Elie Honig said Thursday.
Mangione, who faces federal charges of murder and stalking, as well as New York State charges, including murder in furtherance of terrorism, will face a jury next year, although a trial date has not yet been set.
In a criminal trial, a jury must find the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt; if not, the defendant is deemed not guilty. A non-unanimous jury is considered hung.
"I was always worried about jury nullification even in the most routine cases I handled as a prosecutor. All it takes is one juror and you have a hung jury," Honig, who served as an assistant U.S. attorney, said during a CNN segment on Thursday.
He added that the "risk here absolutely is elevated," noting that he has "never seen an outpouring of affection and support for a defendant charged with a vicious murder like we have in this case."
Mangione supporters gathered outside Manhattan courthouse
A crowd of Luigi Mangione supporters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse where he appeared today to enter his plea.
The protesters were heard chanting, "Free Luigi!" as the UnitedHealthcare CEO killer suspect arrived at court.
Others held up signs criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.
"Healthcare kill more than a bullet," one sign read.
Another stated, "People over profits."
“Free Luigi!”
— The Recount (@therecount) December 23, 2024
Supporters of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, rally outside his arraignment in New York City before he pleaded not guilty. pic.twitter.com/F5LPP2ehYe
About Gregory Carro, the judge named to oversee trial of Luigi Mangione
Gregory Carro has been assigned as the judge in the trial of Luigi Mangione, who is accused of the December 4 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, 26, faces charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism following Thompson's fatal shooting in Manhattan. He is also charged with alternate counts of second-degree murder and second-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.
The trial will be closely watched, with Judge Carro's handling of pretrial motions likely offering insight into how he will manage the case. Carro, known for his tough stance on crime and his experience with cases involving terrorism enhancements, will play a key role in shaping the trial's proceedings. In November, Carro sentenced Christopher Brown, a man who had threatened a synagogue, to 10 years in prison.
A second-generation judge, Carro was appointed in 1998 by Mayor Rudy Giuliani. His father, John Carro, was the first Puerto Rican to sit on New York's appellate bench, and Gregory has followed in his footsteps, making a name for himself with a reputation for being tough, particularly on bail decisions. Carro's past rulings, such as denying bail to a convicted psychic swindler, demonstrate his focus on protecting the public.
Mangione's defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has declined to comment on the case, and Judge Carro's further comments have not been made public.
Mangione's attorney dubs dual charges 'highly unusual'
Luigi Mangione's attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo called the dual charges facing her client in both federal and state court "highly unusual" during his arraignment today.
Agnifilo had asked prosecutors to clarify if there was a joint investigation between federal and state prosecutors, or if it was two separate investigations, as they appear to be charging him according to different legal theories.
The attorney said that she had prepared to represent Mangione today in state, not federal, court, CNN reports.
She added that "she had never seen a situation play out like this" during her 30 year career.
Prosecutors did not respond to her comments, nor did they say if they would seek the death penalty on the federal murder charge.
Full breakdown of Mangione's charges
Luigi Mangione is facing a series of different charges connected to the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare.
They include:
Federal
- Stalking - Use of interstate facilities
- Stalking - Travel in interstate commerce
- Murder through use of a firearm
- Firearms offense
New York
- First-degree murder
- Murder as a crime of terrorism
- Murder in the second degree
- Seven counts of criminal possession of a firearm
- Criminal possession of a forged instrument
Pennsylvania
- Forgery
- Carrying a firearm without a license
- Tampering with records or identification
- Possessing instruments of crime
- False identification to law enforcement
Agnifilo brings extensive criminal justice experience to mangione case
Luigi Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, is a seasoned veteran in New York City's criminal justice system. With three decades of experience in criminal justice, litigation, and trials, Agnifilo graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Georgetown University Law Center.
Her career largely focused on public service, notably as chief assistant district attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. She served under DA Cyrus Vance from 2014 to 2021, including a four-year stint as chief of the trial division. Agnifilo also worked as general counsel to the New York City mayor's office's criminal justice coordinator, collaborating with Mayor Michael Bloomberg on reforms to the city's criminal justice policy.
In private practice since 2021, Agnifilo is now a partner at Agnifilo Intrater LLP. Beyond her legal work, she is a frequent media commentator, having been a legal analyst for CNN and currently serving as the legal advisor for the TV show Law and Order. Agnifilo also co-hosts a popular weekly legal podcast with hundreds of thousands of listeners.
Former NYPD detective: Mangione had more police security than El Chapo
Former NYPD detective Felipe Rodriguez said that Luigi Mangione had more security around his prison transfer than Mexican drug lord, and prison escapee, El Chapo.
"That was to send a message basically," Rodriguez, who now teaches at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, told the BBC. "That wasn't just the fact of keeping him safe."
He added that the level of armored police and security was similar to what a political leader might receive.
Rodriguez estimated that more than 100 agents and officers were involved in Mangione's extradition and transport to court, which was more than were involved in the transport of El Chapo in 2017
He believes that the authorities are taking extra precautions because so many people across the U.S. were "sympathetic to his viewpoint."
Luigi Mangione's lawyer blasts Eric Adams over 'political fodder'
While Luigi Mangione is in court Monday to be arraigned on New York state charges, his lawyer is taking issue with Mayor Eric Adams' "political fodder."
Newsweek reached out to Adams' office for comment.
Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said when her client, the alleged gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, arrived in New York, it was "the biggest perp walk I've ever seen." With a new haircut, Mangione agreed to be extradited to New York from Pennsylvania on Thursday after he was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9.
"He is being treated like political fodder," Karen Friedman said to reporters. "The mayor should know about due process, given his own problems. I think he was there to try to take away from those issues. He wanted to show symbolism. But my client is not a symbol."
Adams said he met Mangione during the extradition to "look him in the eye."
"I want to look him in the eye and state that 'you carried out this terrorist act in my city, the city that this, the people of New York, love,'" Adams said.
Adams' press secretary, Kayla Mamelak Altus, told Newsweek via email Monday that the mayor's presence at Mangioni's perp walk was "showing up to support our law enforcement as they extradited a brutal killer 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."
Violence against healthcare workers continues to rise as tragic incidents spark urgent conversations
Healthcare workers face five times more violence than any other industry, yet the issue often goes unnoticed until high-profile tragedies occur, like the recent fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare and social assistance workers suffered over 562,000 injuries in 2023, the most of any sector. Nurses and doctors are especially vulnerable, with reports showing that 91% of emergency doctors and 25% of nurses have been victims of workplace violence.
The issue has gained more attention after Thompson's death, with many hoping it will spark systemic change in how healthcare violence is addressed. "This is a rude awakening," said Dr. Dhaval Desai, a hospital medicine director at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital. "The tragic incident has opened a mixed conversation among hospital workers." Healthcare professionals have long struggled with abuse, often exacerbated by patient frustrations over long wait times and systemic inefficiencies.
While security measures at hospitals have increased following the shooting, experts warn that these efforts may be temporary unless significant changes are made. Retired SWAT commander Gene Petrino emphasized that many institutions downplay security concerns to cut costs, leaving workers vulnerable. The push for national reforms, such as the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which mandates comprehensive safety measures, continues as healthcare workers urge for lasting change.
Ex FBI deputy director warns Mangione's heavy security 'production' may backfire on authorities
Former FBI deputy director, Andrew McCabe, said that the unprecedented police presence and high-profile extradition of Luigi Mangione was about the authorities "making a statement about power." But he warned that statement may ultimately backfire.
"There are lower profile ways to move a prisoner," McCabe said on CNN. "My sense is... that some of this is making a statement about power. 'You can't run from us, we found you and now you're back to face justice.'
"I wonder how much of that might ultimately work against them," he added
Luigi Mangione could sway jurors in his favor with his good looks
In some corners of the internet, users are commenting on accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione's appearance, a factor that a jury consulting expert says could impact the jury pool in his trial.
Dr. David Barnard, director of jury consulting at Magna Legal Services, spoke to Newsweek about how appearance can influence jurors and how the phenomenon applies in Mangione's case.
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, 50-year-old Brian Thompson, was shot and killed outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4. The suspect fled following the shooting.
Mangione, 26, was taken into custody at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9 in connection with the killing.
Mangione was arraigned in federal court on Thursday on two counts of stalking, one count of murder through use of a firearm and a firearms offense. He also faces multiple state charges in New York and Pennsylvania.
Luigi Mangione mentioned on SNL's Weekend Update amid mixed reactions
Luigi Mangione was mentioned during the Dec. 21 episode of Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update segment, drawing a strong reaction from the studio audience. When co-anchor Colin Jost mentioned Mangione's name, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Mangione has gained both notoriety and support following the murder and his arrest. Some social media users have praised him for his stance against the healthcare industry, while others believe he was wrongfully accused and support his release.
The SNL crowd cheered for United Healthcare assassin Luigi Mangione last night pic.twitter.com/tWHdC112BB
— HOT SPOT (@HotSpot__Media) December 22, 2024
Congressman issues warning about New York perp walk
Representative Ritchie Torres, a New York Democrat, issued a warning on Friday about the police escort of Luigi Mangione, the suspected assassin of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, saying that elevating Mangione to "mythical status" will "deepen his delusions of grandeur."
Newsweek has reached out to Torres' office and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) via email for comment.
Torres' remarks come after reactions to Thompson's death and Mangione's arrest suggest that a significant segment of the American public may be supportive of the suspect, with many across the country having come to view Mangione as a sort of folk hero—expressing their outrage and frustration with the nation's private health insurance industry.
Support for accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer spreads internationally, with look-alike contest in Brazil
Support for Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has spread beyond the U.S., with a look-alike contest held for him at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil on Thursday. Mangione, who faces federal charges for murder and stalking, as well as state charges for terrorism-related murder, has sparked both praise and criticism.
Some supporters view him as a folk hero, while others have expressed shock at the admiration he has garnered. His case has also sparked discussions about the private health insurance industry in the U.S. Mangione's internet fame mirrors a broader trend of celebrity look-alike contests, such as the one held in October at New York's Washington Square Park featuring actor Timothée Chalamet.
Newsweek reached out to the Federal University of Minas Gerais for comment on the contest.
Mangione pleads not guilty to state charges as federal case proceeds
Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty on Monday to murder and terrorism charges in New York's state court. The 26-year-old's plea comes after he was formally charged last week by Manhattan prosecutors, who say the Dec. 4 shooting was premeditated and aimed at evoking terror.
Mangione's case will run parallel to federal charges, which carry the possibility of the death penalty. The state charges could result in life imprisonment. Authorities say Mangione killed Thompson as he walked to an investor conference in Manhattan. After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania, found with a gun matching the one used in the shooting and a fake ID.
Prosecutors have described the murder as an act of terrorism, noting a notebook found on Mangione expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry. Mangione's attorney has criticized the conflicting legal strategies, calling the situation "highly unusual." Mangione remains in custody at a Brooklyn federal jail.
Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer to face Manhattan judge again amid jurisdiction uncertainty
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will appear in Manhattan court again on Monday for his arraignment on state murder charges.
The arraignment comes just five days after Mangione faced a federal judge on Thursday, and it remains unclear whether state or federal authorities will try him first.
Mangione was apprehended last week in Pennsylvania after the Dec. 4 shooting death of Thompson in Midtown Manhattan. He faces both federal charges, including murder and gun offenses, and state charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism-related crimes.
Luigi Mangione's fan mail and monetary support pile up in prison: Report
Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has received dozens of letters and emails as well as monetary support while in prison, a report by the New York Post has revealed.
Mangione is seen as a hero by some people who have grievances with corporate America and the private healthcare industry.
A notebook found on Mangione during his arrest included several pages of writing that "express hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular," according to a federal complaint unsealed Thursday.
UnitedHealthcare said that Mangione was never one of its clients.
Mangione's supporters have flocked to social media, posting videos admiring the 26-year-old Ivy League graduate for the crime he has been accused of and even his looks. Some have even offered to pay his legal bills, according to Mangione's Pennsylvania lawyer Thomas Dickey.
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