What’s New
According to legal analysts, the transition from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump’s administration may have an impact on the federal prosecution of Luigi Mangione.
Why It Matters
Mangione, 26, allegedly shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as he walked outside a New York City hotel on December 4. Federal prosecutors have filed several charges against the accused, including one that could result in the death penalty.
Trump has spoken out against Mangione and promised this week to “vigorously” pursue death penalty cases once he takes over the Justice Department next year.
Biden’s remarks about the death penalty came after he commuted the sentences of all but three federal prisoners on death row.
What To Know
In addition to the federal charges, Mangione faces six charges in New York state, with maximum sentences ranging from one year to life in prison.
He is also facing less serious charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested, for possessing a fraudulent document (ID) and a gun and silencer.
While many, including Trump, have condemned the accused shooter’s actions, many others have defended Mangione and criticized the nation’s health insurance industry. The accused’s attractive appearance has also boosted his popularity, with some calling him a “sex symbol” online.
Protesters have shown up in support of Mangione at his court appearances, with many holding signs or wearing shirts criticizing the nation’s health-care problems.
While many have stated that they do not support violence, they have also expressed difficulty empathizing with the wealthy CEO of an insurance company. They frequently cite denials of health-care claims, claiming that these decisions cause direct harm and even death to a large number of Americans.
What People Are Saying
On Tuesday, CNN asked Mercedes Colwin, a criminal defense attorney, about Trump’s death penalty comments. “Certainly, that’s going to be a question raised by the defense, that there were reports of the president-elect making comments about the death penalty being imposed…. That must be vetted by the jury.
The jury must acknowledge that, one, they heard the comments and that they have no impact on their thinking, and that they can still sit as a fair and impartial juror in the trial…. As a result, the president-elect’s comments may influence their decision-making. That absolutely must be vetted.”
CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig told CNN on Tuesday that it is difficult to predict what they will do with Mangione. Most of the time, when the feds seek the death penalty, there is an extenuating circumstance, such as multiple murders, torture, or another horrific act. It will also be important that this decision is made by the Trump administration rather than the Biden administration.”
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: “As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters. We will be a law-abiding nation again!”
Earlier this month, Trump criticized Mangione’s support, saying, “How people can like this guy, that’s a sickness.” It appears that he has a specific appetite. I don’t understand it… It was a cold-blooded, horrific murder. That’s extremely bad, especially the way it was done.”
What Happens Next
Trump takes office on January 20, and it’s unclear how the Justice Department will handle the federal case against Mangione. So far, federal prosecutors appear to be taking a hardline stance, with Mangione’s attorney, Karen Agnifilo, calling their approach “highly unusual” and “confusing.”
