Luigi Mangione, CEO Murder Suspect, Enters Not Guilty Plea in Court [WATCH]

Luigi Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court to state murder charges stemming from the shocking death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as reported by People.

The charges, which include first-degree murder and accusations of terrorism, could result in a lifetime prison sentence if he is convicted.

Luigi Mangione walking into court today. pic.twitter.com/YqyhcKYbLx

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Dressed in a maroon sweater, khaki pants, and orange shoes, Mangione faced Judge Gregory Carro during his arraignment.

His legal team raised sharp concerns about the spectacle surrounding his case, particularly the dramatic perp walk that paraded him through New York City under heavy armed escort.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Mangione’s attorney, criticized the high-profile nature of his arrival in New York, describing it as a blatant violation of her client’s right to a fair trial.

“I am concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial. He is being prejudiced by these statements, and no safeguards are in place,” she told the judge.

Luigi Mangione smiling in Supreme Court. pic.twitter.com/uukIoloieQ

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Mangione’s transfer from Pennsylvania, where he was captured after a five-day manhunt, featured a heavily choreographed escort involving NYPD and FBI agents. Mayor Eric Adams was even present at the event, which Friedman Agnifilo called “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. He wanted to show symbolism. But my client is not a symbol,” the attorney added, referencing Adams’ federal indictment on bribery and fraud charges.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, alleges Mangione carried out a “brazen, targeted” attack, gunning down Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4. The charges against Mangione also include weapons and forgery offenses.

Luigi Mangione smiling in court today pic.twitter.com/8kK2AehqtU

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The murder shocked both the healthcare industry and New York City, as Thompson was a prominent figure in corporate America. The DA’s office characterized the shooting as premeditated and cold-blooded.

Mangione is also facing federal murder charges that could bring the death penalty, as well as additional charges in Pennsylvania. He has entered not guilty pleas in Pennsylvania but has yet to address the federal accusations.

BREAKING: Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to 11 charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

Mangione’s attorney argued he is “entitled to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence.” https://t.co/hzAArRYorL pic.twitter.com/nMVP1OGcPI

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Mangione is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he shares a lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, with none other than Sean “Diddy” Combs. Marc is married to Karen Friedman Agnifilo, creating an unusual overlap in high-profile cases.

During the hearing, Mangione’s courtroom audience included a surprising number of young women among the public observers, hinting at the media spectacle surrounding the case.

Mangione’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 21.