A federal judge on Friday warned US Attorney General Pam Bondi to moderate her public statements about Luigi Mangione , the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , to safeguard Mangione’s right to a fair trial.
Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court to charges that could bring the death penalty . Judge Margaret Garnett emphasised the need to "depoliticise the circuslike atmosphere" surrounding the case. "I want prosecutors to convey my caution against public commentary to the interim US attorney, Jay Clayton, and that he pass on the message to Bondi and any of her subordinates at Main Justice," Garnett said.
The warning comes after Bondi made public remarks tying the case to political goals, stating earlier, “The government would seek capital punishment against him as we carry out President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.” Bondi later reiterated on "Fox News Sunday" that "the president’s directive was very clear: We are to seek the death penalty when possible."
Mangione has emerged as a controversial figure, seen by some Americans as a hero disillusioned with the nation’s for-profit health care system . His supporters turned out in large numbers at the Thurgood Marshall US Courthouse, many queuing for hours and even offering to sell their spots in line. Trucks bearing Mangione’s image circled the courthouse as chants of "Free Luigi" echoed outside.
Inside the courtroom, Mangione appeared attentive, dressed in jail garb, occasionally consulting his lawyers and taking notes. He faces a four-count federal indictment stemming from the December 9 shooting of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel during a company investors' conference. Authorities allege Mangione, masked and armed with a 3D-printed ghost gun with a silencer, shot Thompson and fled the scene.
Federal prosecutors also formally filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty, citing “substantial planning and premeditation” and asserting that Mangione posed a “future danger” due to his intent to target the health care industry. In addition to federal charges, Mangione faces state charges for first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, to which he has also pleaded not guilty.
Further complicating matters, Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns in court that jail staff inadvertently recorded his phone calls with his legal team and shared them with the US attorney's office. Judge Garnett ordered the government to investigate and report back by May 2.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, the courthouse grounds resembled a protest site. Sandra Ministro, a software engineer from New Jersey, stood among the crowd holding a poster declaring, “Healthcare is a human right,” “Lives over profit,” and “Free Luigi.” She said, "I think everyone does truly deserve health care."
Mangione, 26, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Manhattan federal court to charges that could bring the death penalty . Judge Margaret Garnett emphasised the need to "depoliticise the circuslike atmosphere" surrounding the case. "I want prosecutors to convey my caution against public commentary to the interim US attorney, Jay Clayton, and that he pass on the message to Bondi and any of her subordinates at Main Justice," Garnett said.
The warning comes after Bondi made public remarks tying the case to political goals, stating earlier, “The government would seek capital punishment against him as we carry out President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.” Bondi later reiterated on "Fox News Sunday" that "the president’s directive was very clear: We are to seek the death penalty when possible."
Mangione has emerged as a controversial figure, seen by some Americans as a hero disillusioned with the nation’s for-profit health care system . His supporters turned out in large numbers at the Thurgood Marshall US Courthouse, many queuing for hours and even offering to sell their spots in line. Trucks bearing Mangione’s image circled the courthouse as chants of "Free Luigi" echoed outside.
Inside the courtroom, Mangione appeared attentive, dressed in jail garb, occasionally consulting his lawyers and taking notes. He faces a four-count federal indictment stemming from the December 9 shooting of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel during a company investors' conference. Authorities allege Mangione, masked and armed with a 3D-printed ghost gun with a silencer, shot Thompson and fled the scene.
Federal prosecutors also formally filed notice of intent to seek the death penalty, citing “substantial planning and premeditation” and asserting that Mangione posed a “future danger” due to his intent to target the health care industry. In addition to federal charges, Mangione faces state charges for first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, to which he has also pleaded not guilty.
Further complicating matters, Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns in court that jail staff inadvertently recorded his phone calls with his legal team and shared them with the US attorney's office. Judge Garnett ordered the government to investigate and report back by May 2.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, the courthouse grounds resembled a protest site. Sandra Ministro, a software engineer from New Jersey, stood among the crowd holding a poster declaring, “Healthcare is a human right,” “Lives over profit,” and “Free Luigi.” She said, "I think everyone does truly deserve health care."
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