Suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder pleads not guilty to 'terror,' 'murder' charges

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Luigi Mangione, accused in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty Monday to state murder and terror charges in a New York courtroom, according to media reports.

The 26-year-old faces 11 counts, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and weapons charges, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Mangione, who prosecutors allege meticulously planned the killing as a symbolic act against the health insurance industry, appeared calm as he was escorted into court, according to CNN.

The hearing marked his first formal response to the charges stemming from Thompson’s death in Midtown Manhattan earlier this month.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed coordination with federal authorities on the case, which involves thousands of hours of video evidence and writings prosecutors say express hostility toward corporate America, CNN reported citing the attorney's office.

During the hearing, prosecutor Joel Seidemann described the case as unprecedented in its scale, citing the volume and complexity of evidence, it also reported.

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns over his ability to receive a fair trial, referencing New York Mayor Eric Adams’ visible role during Mangione’s extradition.

Outside the courthouse, protesters rallied in support of Mangione, waving signs reading “Health care is a human right” and criticizing corporate greed.

Mangione is also facing federal charges, including murder using a firearm and stalking, which could carry the death penalty. State charges could result in life imprisonment without parole.

Investigators believe that Mangione premeditated the murder because he was angry at the US health care system and its "corporate greed."

When police arrested him, they found a 3D-printed ghost gun, a fake ID, and a handwritten document that criticized the health care industry with a passage that said "frankly these parasites had it coming."

Mangione's Pennsylvania attorney, Thomas Dickey, told news outlets that his client would be pleading not guilty to all counts in both New York and Pennsylvania, although his New York attorney, Friedman Agnifilo, has not yet confirmed whether that will be the case moving forward with the court proceedings.

Mangione’s next court appearance on the state charges is scheduled for Feb. 21. Federal proceedings will run concurrently but follow the conclusion of the state trial.