A New York court has viewed chilling surveillance footage showing the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as lawyers for the accused gunman fight to have crucial evidence thrown out of the upcoming trial.
Courtroom Screening of Fatal Shooting
Luigi Mangione, 27, appeared in a New York court on Monday 1 December 2025 for a critical evidence hearing. Wearing a grey suit over a red-checked shirt, he watched without visible emotion as prosecutors played videos showing Brian Thompson's killing on a Manhattan pavement last December.
The footage also included scenes from Mangione's own arrest at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania. This followed a five-day manhunt after the 50-year-old executive was shot dead while walking to a hotel for his company's annual investor conference on 4 December last year.
Defence Seeks to Bar Key Evidence
Mangione's legal team is attempting to prevent prosecutors from using several pieces of evidence in his New York state trial. They are specifically targeting a 9mm handgun and a notebook, both allegedly found in a backpack Mangione had when arrested.
Prosecutors claim the notebook contains writings where Mangione described his intent to "wack" a health insurance executive. His lawyers argue the evidence was obtained through unconstitutional police conduct, violating his right to a fair trial. They contend he was illegally searched and questioned.
Removing the gun and notebook would significantly weaken the prosecution's case, depriving them of a potential murder weapon and evidence of motive.
Charges and Legal Battles
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges. The state charges could bring a life sentence, while federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. He also faces seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of possessing false identification.
In a previous legal victory for the defence, Judge Gregory Carro dismissed two terrorism charges in September. The judge found insufficient evidence that Mangione intended to intimidate health insurance workers or influence government policy.
No trial dates have been set for either the state or federal cases. Mangione remains held in federal custody in Brooklyn following his arrest, which was prompted by an alert McDonald's employee who recognised him from a wanted notice.
