Mangione Attorneys Allege Trump Remarks Prejudice Fair Trial
NEW YORK – Attorneys for Luigi Mangione, accused in the December 2024 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, have filed a motion arguing that statements made by former President Donald Trump and others within the White House and Department of Justice (DoJ) have prejudiced Mangione’s right to a fair trial.
The court filing, submitted Tuesday, cites remarks Trump made during a Fox News interview, as well as social media posts by DoJ employees, alleging they inferred Mangione’s guilt. During the interview, Trump stated, “The thing about Mangione, he shot someone in the back as clear as you’re looking at me or I’m looking at you… he looked like a pure assassin.” He further added, “There’s not a question – he openly walked up to a man and shot him right in the middle of the back.”
Mangione’s legal team also points to a White House statement referencing “leftists celebrating Luigi Mangione for gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson,” and an interview with White House Deputy Chief of Staff for policy Stephen Miller, who told Fox News that Thompson was “brutally gunned down by another self-described so-called anti-fascist.” The defense claims the government knows the “anti-fascist” claim is false, citing extensive journal writings by Mangione that contain no such references.
The attorneys argue these statements are part of a politically motivated narrative inappropriate for a criminal case. Thompson was shot in December 2024 while entering a manhattan hotel for an investors’ meeting. Mangione, 27, was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and charged with stalking, a firearms offense, and murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, a request Mangione’s lawyers are challenging, citing the alleged violations of his Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights.
U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett has already cautioned DoJ officials against making comments that could interfere with a fair trial, warning of potential sanctions for future violations.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty. His next hearing is scheduled for December 5. The BBC has sought comment from the White House and the DoJ.
