Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, entered a not guilty plea Friday to a federal murder charge in Manhattan federal court, as prosecutors formally declared their intent to seek the death penalty in the high-profile case.
Mangione, dressed in a mustard-colored jail suit, stood between his attorneys and leaned toward a microphone as U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett asked if he understood the indictment charging him with the December shooting of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel. Mangione confirmed his understanding and, when asked for his plea, replied, “not guilty,” before taking his seat.
The arraignment drew a large crowd, with dozens gathering at the courthouse, including former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Some supporters lined up for hours to secure a seat inside, while others rallied outside, joined by advertising trucks displaying videos critical of the health insurance industry and the death penalty….