Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has filed a motion requesting a New York judge to allow him to appear in court without handcuffs or a bulletproof vest. The defense argues that these restraints are unnecessary and that their use could prejudice the trial by fostering a public perception of danger around Mangione. The motion, submitted to Justice Gregory Carro of the Supreme Court of New York, highlights the legal team’s stance that the measures serve no legitimate safety purpose and instead reinforce harmful media narratives.
According to the motion, Mangione has not caused any trouble since his arrest in December 2024. He did not resist arrest, cooperated with law enforcement, and has been held in a regular section of the Brooklyn federal jail. The defense also notes that he has been assigned work within the prison and has met with his lawyers multiple times without restraints. This situation contrasts with his appearance in federal court, where he only wore leg shackles and no bulletproof vest or handcuffs, the attorneys said.
One photograph of Mangione’s shackled ankles during a court appearance went viral, garnering over 36 million views on X. The defense argues that such media attention has not only increased public scrutiny but also potentially harmed Mangione’s right to a fair trial. They believe that the visible restraints have created a biased environment that could influence the jury’s perception. The legal team is requesting that the court release the suspect without physical restraints, emphasizing that these measures are unnecessary given the current circumstances.
The case against Mangione has significant legal implications. He is charged with murder through the use of a firearm, firearms offenses, and stalking, with the potential for the death penalty if convicted. The indictment was brought by federal prosecutors who argue that the murder was motivated by a desire to intimidate or coerce a group and influence government policy. Additionally, Mangione faces multiple charges in Pennsylvania and New York, including forgery, possession of a forged instrument, and crimes related to criminal weapon possession. His next court appearance in New York is scheduled for June 26, while his federal court hearing is set for December 5.
Prosecutors allege that the murder of Thompson was carried out to send a message and that the crime took place just hours before a shareholder conference at the New York City Hilton hotel. The crime scene yielded bullet casings with the words