Chelsea Manning Supports Accused Killer Ahead of Court Hearing

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK — Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst and whistleblower, attended the Manhattan Supreme Court on Friday in support of accused killer Luigi Mangione, who faces multiple murder charges, including the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Manning arrived at the courthouse early, around 8:15 a.m., well ahead of Mangione’s scheduled 2:15 p.m. hearing. “I am here exercising my Sixth Amendment right,” Manning told PEOPLE in a courthouse interview. “I am a member of the public here to witness our court proceedings.” Her presence was notable among a crowd of Mangione’s supporters, who have remained vocal about his case.

The court hearing comes as Mangione, 26, pleads not guilty to various charges, including first-degree murder and terrorism. If convicted on the state charges alone, he could face life imprisonment. Federal charges are also pending against him which could lead to the death penalty if he is found guilty.

Activists backing Mangione have made their support clear, with some displaying digital billboards depicting him as a saint. Their presence at the court has drawn attention, and the crowd erupted in applause when Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, arrived. Outside the courthouse, they displayed signs reading “Patients before profits” and “Free Luigi,” encapsulating their message against the private healthcare industry.

Following the shooting, which Mangione allegedly executed from behind as Thompson headed to an investor conference, a significant outpouring of public sympathy has emerged for him. Many see the act as a retaliation against the healthcare system, with a recent poll revealing that nearly 30% of voters understand Mangione’s alleged motivations, despite their disapproval of the act itself.

Friday’s hearing was an opportunity for both the defense and prosecution to provide updates on the case and potentially set pretrial timelines. Judge Gregory Carro presided over the proceedings, emphasizing the need to keep Mangione restrained for safety reasons, despite his legal team’s protestations that he has been an exemplary inmate.

Supporters have taken to various platforms, including a website created by Mangione’s legal team, to document his case and encourage donations for his defense fund. As of Friday morning, the fund surpassed $500,000 in contributions, which will be crucial as he prepares for his upcoming trials.

The spectacle surrounding Mangione’s case is compounded by his public persona; many fans, including a notable online following, view him as a symbol of resistance against a failing healthcare system. While the movement aims to humanize him amidst serious allegations, the legal implications remain significant.

In addition to the murder and terrorism charges in New York, Mangione faces federal charges that include stalking and firearm offenses. The complexities of the case could result in a lengthy legal battle as he navigates multiple jurisdictions. Future court dates are already set, with proceedings in Pennsylvania also approaching shortly