Dozens of supporters gathered outside a Manhattan courthouse Monday morning, lining up in freezing temperatures for a chance to see Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old Maryland native accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Midtown sidewalk one year ago, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Some attendees wore outfits resembling the Luigi character from the Super Mario franchise, continuing a pattern seen at each of Mangione’s court appearances over the past year.
Loony Luigi Mangione fans dress up, line up for chance to see alleged cold-blooded killer in NYC court https://t.co/0cLh1Hfh63 [2] pic.twitter.com/UjOPAoDeQF [3]
— New York Post (@nypost) December 1, 2025 [4]
Mangione, who comes from a wealthy Maryland family, has drawn sustained attention from a group of followers who routinely attend his hearings. Court officials said crowds began forming hours before the scheduled appearance.
One supporter, Jonathan Garthrelle, 36, from Jamaica, Queens, said he attended because of concerns about how defendants are treated.
“We are living in a time of rampant human-rights violations. We’re seeing it left and right. If they can violate the rights of an attractive white male, what hope do the rest of us have?” he said while waiting outside.
Another attendee, 29-year-old personal chef Jasmin Flores of East Harlem, said she spent $150 on an Uber to ensure she arrived early.
“It’s important for me to be here because he’s innocent,” she said. Mangione has been recorded on surveillance video near the crime scene and was later found with the firearm prosecutors allege was used in the killing.
COURTROOM CLASH: Accused UnitedHealthcare CEO assassin Luigi Mangione returns to court for the first of three hearings today, as his lawyers ask the court to toss evidence collected during his arrest five days after the murder. pic.twitter.com/3ppgQMub6S [5]
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 1, 2025 [6]
Several supporters said they were unable to get inside the courtroom due to limited seating. Tickets were distributed to those in line, and the cutoff was set at 24. Alexa Modugno, 35, of Manhattan, said she missed the threshold.
“I was two tickets away,” she said. “I’m just here to support Luigi and fight against stigma against mental-health issues.”
Mangione has gained a substantial online following, and supporters have raised more than $1.3 million toward his legal expenses.
Some who have aligned themselves with his cause claim they have been mistreated by the U.S. health-care system.
Trucks displaying billboards with the names and photos of individuals described by supporters as victims of the industry were expected to appear outside the courthouse Monday.
The hearing comes as Mangione’s defense team seeks to prevent prosecutors from presenting certain evidence to jurors.
BREAKING: Luigi Mangione is in court right now for his pre-trial hearing. His lawyers are seeking to bar evidence that was found in his backpack at the Pennsylvania McDonald’s because the cops illegally searched his bag without a warrant. pic.twitter.com/fYCjPSPUK8 [7]
— Power to the People ☭ (@ProudSocialist) December 1, 2025 [8]
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office intends to introduce items seized during Mangione’s arrest on Dec. 4, 2024, at a McDonald’s restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Those items include a 9mm handgun that prosecutors say matches the weapon used in Thompson’s killing, as well as a notebook in which Mangione allegedly outlined plans to “wack” a health-insurance executive.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges. Additional pretrial proceedings are expected as both sides prepare for trial.