Luigi Mangione appeared in a New York Metropolis courtroom on Friday as his legal professionals attempt to bar the Justice Division from looking for the demise penalty in his federal trial for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The pivotal listening to is Mangione’s first federal courtroom look since he pleaded not responsible to homicide and stalking costs at his arraignment in April 2025.
Mangione arrived at courtroom simply after 11 a.m. His legs have been shackled, however his arms have been free. He was sporting a tan jail jumpsuit and shook arms along with his attorneys.
Mangione’s courtroom appearances usually appeal to a crowd, and a small group of protesters towards the demise penalty rallied exterior the Manhattan courthouse.
Michael M. Santiago / Getty Photos
That mentioned, the courtroom was not full. There have been largely journalists within the gallery, together with some attorneys and members of the general public.
Decide says trial date not prone to be introduced any time quickly
The choose mentioned that the result of the movement to dismiss two of the counts towards Mangione will impression the trial date, and he or she due to this fact thinks the trial date will not be settled Friday.
The choose and Mangione’s protection then mentioned the proof present in Mangione’s backpack, together with his journal. The choose appeared to precise skepticism towards the protection’s argument that officers recovering Mangione’s backpack and taking it to the station for examination was inappropriate.
Mangione’s protection workforce argued that whereas officers had the appropriate to safeguard the backpack, they’d not have the appropriate to undergo it and stock it with out a search warrant.
The choose indicated he did not suppose it is going to be crucial to carry a separate proof listening to, as was the case in his state trial.
All events agreed to focus on jury choice within the federal trial in early September, with an eye fixed on trial starting later within the fall, or, within the occasion it’s a capital trial, in early winter.
Courtroom wrapped up simply earlier than 2 p.m.
What’s at problem in Mangione’s listening to
New York Regulation College Professor Anna Cominsky Cominsky mentioned the important thing points the federal choose shall be taking a look at are whether or not sure costs needs to be dismissed and whether or not the demise penalty needs to be on the desk.
Mangione’s protection workforce is making an attempt to get the homicide by firearm cost thrown out. That cost permits the federal authorities to hunt the demise penalty.
“That argument specifically may be very legislation particular. It has to do with whether or not or not there was a criminal offense of violence being dedicated in reference to the homicide. There may be plenty of case legislation that interprets that and that’s going to be a really technical, authorized argument,” Cominsky mentioned.
The choose can even be figuring out if the contents of Mangione’s backpack needs to be used as proof within the trial. The black backpack, which Mangione had when he was arrested, was additionally on the middle of pretrial hearings in his New York state homicide case.
At problem is whether or not the police search of Mangione’s backpack was authorized as officers went on to search out a pistol, silencer and pocket book inside.
Mangione’s legal professionals argue the proof discovered contained in the bag needs to be excluded as a result of police didn’t have a warrant.
The choose within the state case is presently deciding whether or not to permit the proof into that trial. A choice is predicted by Might 18.
Mangione’s attorneys say case is tainted
Mangione’s protection attorneys say authorities prejudiced the case towards him by turning his arrest for the 2024 capturing right into a “Marvel film spectacle.”
They’ve introduced a couple of arguments as to why this shouldn’t be a federal demise penalty case.
William Farrington / AP 
Mangione’s legal professionals argue that authorities prejudiced the case by turning his perp stroll right into a extremely choreographed spectacle and declaring their need to see him executed earlier than formally indicting him.
Additionally they declare Lawyer Normal Pam Bondi’s earlier job with Ballard Companions, a lobbying agency whose purchasers embrace UnitedHealthcare’s dad or mum firm, is a battle of curiosity.
They allege Bondi violated an settlement when she took workplace to bow out of any issues associated to Ballard Companions for at the very least one 12 months.
Prosecutors deny Bondi has battle of curiosity
Federal prosecutors slammed the protection’s claims as meritless and deceptive, arguing there isn’t any battle of curiosity with the legal professional common as a result of there isn’t any current or future monetary acquire.
Additionally they argue that pretrial publicity, even when intense, is hardly a constitutional disaster.
