Prosecutors: DOJ reposts won’t taint Mangione trial
Federal prosecutors told Judge Margaret M. Garnett in Manhattan that two DOJ officials’ reposts of President Trump’s comments calling Luigi Mangione 'a pure assassin' did not prejudice the case because the employees are not on the prosecution team, were unaware of the judge’s caution, and have since been warned. The filing comes after the judge flagged likely rule violations and as Mangione—accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4 in Manhattan—faces a federal murder-with-a-firearm charge carrying possible death, plus stalking and gun offenses; he has pleaded not guilty while the defense seeks dismissal and removal of the death penalty citing prior public comments by AG Pam Bondi.
Legal
Crime
📌 Key Facts
- Prosecutors said the two DOJ officials who reposted the remarks are outside the SDNY prosecution team and have been warned.
- Judge Margaret M. Garnett previously said the reposts likely violated rules and demanded an explanation and prevention steps.
- Trump’s Sept. 18 comments calling Mangione 'a pure assassin' were posted by the White House on X, then reposted by DOJ spokesman Chad Gilmartin (later deleted) and associate deputy AG Brian Nieves.
- Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal charges including murder through use of a firearm (death-eligible), stalking and gun offenses in the Dec. 4 killing of CEO Brian Thompson.
- AG Pam Bondi directed SDNY to seek the death penalty; the defense moved to dismiss federal charges and remove capital exposure, citing prejudicial public statements.