Luigi Mangione, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a high-profile attack in New York, pleaded not guilty to state charges, including "terrorist" murder, in a Manhattan court on December 24. Mangione, 26, appeared in court shackled and flanked by police officers, following his dramatic extradition from Pennsylvania. He faces both state and federal charges for the December 4 shooting, which has sparked widespread public debate over the US healthcare system.

Mangione's defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns about the fairness of the trial, especially after New York Mayor Eric Adams' presence during Mangione's extradition and the highly publicized nature of his arrest. Mangione was apprehended after a days-long manhunt, following the shooting, which police say may have been motivated by a "life-changing" back injury, although Mangione was not a UnitedHealthcare client.

The murder has prompted strong reactions, with social media users labeling Mangione as a hero, while demonstrators outside the court rallied with signs reading "free Luigi." If convicted in state court, Mangione faces life in prison, while the federal charges could lead to the death penalty.