Supporters of Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, rallied outside of his first court appearance in Manhattan on Friday.
Thompson was shot and killed on Dec. 4th by a masked gunman while in Midtown Manhattan to attend the annual investors’ meeting for UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare.
“We, the People, want Luigi free! Who’s the real terrorist? UHC!” the crowd of a few dozen supporters chanted while waiting f0r Mangione’s arrival.
The fatal shooting struck a nerve with the American public, as many expressed their contempt for the country’s health insurance system, while offering sympathy for — and even praising — Mangione for his alleged actions. A fundraiser set up by supporters for Mangione’s legal defense fund has drawn over $500,000, with all donations going towards the expenses of his three pending criminal cases.
Mangione, who was arrested about a week after the killing in Pennsylvania, was arraigned on Dec. 9. He is facing 11 charges in New York, including murder as an act of terrorism, and three charges in Pennsylvania, according to New York Supreme Court and Blair County Courthouse documents. Mangione pleaded not guilty to all New York State charges during his Dec. 23 court hearing in New York.
In addition to the two state cases, Mangione faces four federal charges, including murder, for which he has yet to enter a plea. If convicted in federal court, he could face the death penalty.
According to his legal defense team, Mangione is scheduled to appear in federal court on March 19, and his next New York court date has been set for June 26.
Supporters hand out flyers calling for donations in support of Mangione’s defense. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
A green megaphone with a green “Free Luigi” sticker. Supporters wore green in a show of solidarity. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
Art supplies that were used to make signs and other items held by supporters. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
One supporter stood clad in Luigi merchandise. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
A sign depicted a Luigi-parody from the popular series “Mario Bros.” (Credit: Tyler Paz)
Supporters pasted “WANTED” style posters of CEOs of healthcare giants including Aetna, CVS Health, and UnitedHealth Group. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
A “Free Luigi” poster styled after a prescription pill bottle. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
One supporter printed Luigi Mangione shirts ahead of the rally. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
Beaded bracelets offered messages. “Bring Back Guillotines,” one bracelet reads. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
A supporter gets “Free Luigi” written on the back of their head. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
A Luigi hat with a guillotine pin. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
Trucks were rented out to highlight victims of the U.S. healthcare system. (Credit: Tyler Paz)
