Supporters Chant 'Free Luigi!' Outside Luigi Mangione Arraignment

Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Monday to state charges in connection with the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Outside the New York courtroom, per multiple reports and as seen in social media-shared footage, supporters were seen carrying signs that read “deny, defend, depose” and related variations. Chants of “Free Luigi!” could also be heard in video captured outside Mangione’s arraignment.

Per a report from the Associated Press, 26-year-old Mangione pleaded not guilty on Monday, while a member of his legal team expressed concerns over his chance at a fair trial. Per Mangione’s legal team, remarks made by New York Mayor Eric Adams and others have contributed to a pre-trial environment they argue is undermining the fairness of the process.

Last week, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced that Mangione had been charged with the following: one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder (with one also linked to alleged terrorism), two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument.

According to an ABC News report on Monday’s arraignment, Mangione seemingly did not have any members of his family present. Outside, however, were supporters, including what the publication estimated as “about two dozen women.” Similarly, CBS News reported that most of those who gathered in hopes of getting inside for the arraignment were women. Photos and video showed men and women alike brandishing homemade signs in the area, including one that read, “Healthcare greed kills more than a bullet.”

To be clear, Monday’s court appearance focused on Mangione’s state charges. He’s also been charged at the federal level.