NEW YORK (AP) — Luigi Mangione appeared in court Monday seeking to bar evidence from his state trial over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, including the gun that authorities say matches the one used in the brazen New York City attack.
Among the evidence Mangione’s lawyers want to prevent the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office from presenting to jurors are a 9 mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the one used in the December 4, 2024 killing and a handwritten notebook in which they say Mangione described his intent to “wack” a health insurance executive.
After getting state terrorism charges thrown out in September, the defense lawyers are focusing on what they describe as unconstitutional conduct that tainted his arrest and threatens his right to a fair trial.
They argue that the gun and other items should be excluded because police lacked a warrant to search the backpack in which they were found. They also want to suppress some of Mangione’s statements to police, such as allegedly giving a false name, because officers began asking questions before informing him of his right to remain silent.
If the gun and notebook are dismissed, it would represent critical wins for Mangione’s defense, significantly undermining prosecutorial efforts by removing a potential murder weapon and evidence pointing to motive. Prosecutors have cited extensively from Mangione’s diary in court filings, in which he expressed disdain for the health insurance industry.
Eliminating this evidence could pivot the trial's direction as defense attorneys aim to highlight procedural failings at the time of Mangione’s arrest and the search conducted without a warrant.
The ongoing court proceedings are expected to last over a week, coinciding with Thursday's anniversary of Thompson's assassination. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges, faces severe repercussions; state charges can lead to life imprisonment, while federal prosecutors pursue the death penalty.
In the courtroom, Mangione dressed in a gray suit rather than a jail uniform, signaling the seriousness of the proceedings. Court officials noted his demeanor remained largely neutral, with a small group of supporters present, showcasing a mix of personal conviction and broader community reaction to his high-profile case.
