Accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione arrives in court in bulletproof vest

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of assassinating a healthcare CEO, has arrived at court in a bulletproof vest.

Luigi Mangione has arrived at court in New York City in a bulletproof vest.

The 26-year-old is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4.

Mangione has been charged with three counts of murder in New York, including as an act of terrorism, along with weapon charges. If found guilty, he could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty.

Luigi Mangione, accused killer of US insurance CEO Brian Thompson, arrives for a hearing in New York City on February 21, 2025. Picture: Timothy A. Clary / AFP

He is also facing federal charges, that could bring the death penalty if convicted, and state charges in Pennsylvania.

Mangione, an Ivy League graduate, was arrested across the border, in Pennsylvania, five days after Mr Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was shot in the back in Midtown Manhattan, New York while attending an investor’s meeting.

Mangione, 26, was wearing a bulletproof vest. Picture: Steven Hirsch / POOL / AFP

In New York, he is charged with three counts of murder. He has pleaded not guilty. Picture: Steven Hirsch / POOL / AFP

Pictures showed protesters gathering around the court on Friday (local time) in support of Mangione, holding signs with messages relating to access to healthcare.

BBC reported shouting from protesters outside could be heard in the courtroom.

Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued his arms and legs should not be shackled because he is “a model prisoner” and “the shackles imply that there is ‘no presumption of innocence’” for him, but the judge said security in court preferred it, according to the publication.

Protesters hold signs outside the Criminal Court where Mangione is attending a hearing. Picture: Angela Weiss / AFP

Ms Agnifilo spoke outside the court to reiterate her remarks to those who weren’t inside following the hearing that wrapped up after about 30 minutes.

“I don’t understand what the show of danger is for,” she said.

“When I go visit Luigi at MDC [Metropolitan Detention Center] in Brooklyn, I sit with him, he is unshackled, he walks around freely in the visiting area, we sit in a room together without law enforcement hovering over us.

“But for whatever reason, here, despite all the law enforcement, they need him to be wearing this vest, they need him to be shackled and they stand right over us and we get no time with him.”

Mangione had shackles on his hands and feet. Picture: Curtis Means / POOL / AFP

Ms Agnifilo claimed her client was “being treated differently”.

“The fact that he is being prosecuted by three jurisdictions for one event. It is all about one thing, one single event,” she said.

Ms Agnifilo said Mangione “really wanted to thank the supporters for being here” and directed people to a website they had established to provide information about the case.

Mangione’s team thanked people outside the court for their support. Picture: Angela Weiss / AFP

On the website, there is a message from Mangione.

“I am overwhelmed by – and grateful for – everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support,” it says.

“Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future.”

According to police, they believe Mangione was allegedly motived by his animosity towards the health insurance industry.

Mr Thompson’s company UnitedHealthcare is the largest US health insurer.