The 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City last month will likely not return to a federal courtroom until mid-February.
The indictment date was initially scheduled for Jan. 18, but after both parties agreed in a letter to the court, it was changed to Feb. 17. Before his federal indictment, Luigi Mangione was handed a criminal complaint detailing the charges against him.
On Wednesday, the prosecution and defense in the criminal case agreed to postpone court proceedings to give each party more time to prepare before trial. According to The Associated Press, prosecutors have said both cases will work on a “parallel track,” with the state trial predicted to begin first.
On Dec. 23, 2024, in a New York courtroom, Mangione entered a plea of not guilty to multiple state charges, including murder as an act of terrorism. Additionally, he faces federal charges brought by the U.S. Justice Department, including stalking and using a firearm to commit murder, with the death penalty as a potential outcome.
Battleground between jurisdictions and social media influence
One of Mangione’s attorneys, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, previously told a judge that the “warring jurisdictions” between the federal and state cases have turned her client into a “human ping-pong ball” and that the New York City mayor has unfairly used her client as a “political pawn,” per the AP.
“I am very concerned about my client’s right to a fair trial,” Friedman Agnifilo said.
Yet, Mayor Eric Adams has stood firm in his statements against Mangione.
“The cold-blooded assassination of Brian Thompson — a father of two — and the terror it infused on the streets of New York City for days has since been sickeningly glorified, shining a spotlight on the darkest corners of the internet. Mayor Adams’ priority is — and always has been — public safety, and he has repeatedly spoken about how social media is fueling the radicalization of our youth. Critics can say all they want, but showing up to support our law enforcement 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,” said Kayla Mamelak Altus, spokesperson for Adams, following Friedman Agnifilo remarks, per CBS News.
Mangione’s notoriety across the country has also caused both parties additional concern in attaining a fair jury.
Social media has shown a divide in the country’s reactions to Mangione’s alleged actions. According to The New York Times, “spectators had gathered on the street in 11 degree weather by 6 a.m., hoping to get into the courtroom. A small group of protesters could be seen outside before the hearing began, and it had grown slightly by the time it was over. Some of them chanted, ‘Free Luigi!’”
Mangione also faces five additional charges in Pennsylvania.