Mangione supporters push 'jury nullification' as UnitedHealthcare CEO assassination trial looms
Share this @internewscast.com

While accused assassin Luigi Mangione has thousands of supporters online and attracts demonstrators outside of his court appearances, their push for “jury nullification” in his pending cases may be a long shot, experts tell Fox News Digital.

The 26-year-old former Ivy Leaguer is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a Minnesota father of two, outside a shareholder conference in New York City on Dec. 4. Mangione allegedly kept journals that described his plans for the attack, his intent to send a message and condemnations of the health insurance industry.

“This case is not a Prohibition case nor a draft-dodging situation — it was an outright premeditated murder,” said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “My only concern is that Alvin Bragg has lost a number of high profile cases and was just dealt another blow with the dismissal of the terror charge in this case.”

Like Mangione, the suspect in that case was accused of writing messages on bullets used in the attack. Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from southern Utah, faces aggravated murder and other charges in connection with the attack.

As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly 35,000 Mangione supporters had donated more than $1.2 million toward his defense in the three criminal proceedings he faces in New York, in Pennsylvania and federally.

Luigi Mangione in an orange inmate jumpsuit flanked by armed members of the NYPD as they escort him away from the helicopter that carried him part of the way back to NYC following his extradition from Pennsylvania

Luigi Mangione, suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, arrives at a heliport with members of the NYPD on December 19, 2024, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The cover photo for the fundraiser is an image of Mangione’s arrival in New York City after he was flown from Pennsylvania, where police captured him, to an airport on suburban Long Island. Wearing shackles and an orange jumpsuit, he is flanked by dozens of officers wearing NYPD and FBI gear.

His supporters have subsequently shown up in force outside his Manhattan court hearings as the murder case proceeds, many of them dressed up like Nintendo’s Luigi character and carrying signs. One notable sign present Tuesday, when the judge tossed state-level terror charges, read simply, “Jury Nullification.”

But while the group cheered news of Judge Gregory Carro’s decision, their broader hopes could be wishful thinking.

“Jury nullification could always be an issue, especially with how this kid has come to encapsulate so many progressive gripes against corporations and the insurance industry, but I don’t think even Manhattan criminal justice has been that completely defanged,” Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor, previously told Fox News Digital. “Yes, this is the venue that got us Alvin Bragg, but this is also the venue in which 12 ordinary New Yorkers acquitted Daniel Penny.”

Following up Wednesday, he said he’s still doubtful jury nullification would be a problem.

“[It’s] always possible, but I still lean hard against it,” he said. “But this is the Mamdani NYC, so anything’s possible.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump’s ‘Inflated Beef’ Claims Spur DOJ Investigation Into Meat Packers

DOJ Probes Meat Packers After Trump’s Controversial ‘Inflated Beef’ Allegations

What’s happening with beef prices? On Friday, former President Trump didn’t explicitly…
Hegseth applauds South Korea's plan to take larger role in defense against North Korean aggression

Hegseth Commends South Korea’s Initiative for Enhanced Defense Role Against North Korean Threats

On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised South Korea’s decision to…
Flight cancellations pile up as airlines comply with government shutdown order

Airlines Halt Flights Amid Government Shutdown Compliance

In response to the government shutdown, U.S. airlines began canceling a significant…
Crews are working to fix Alaska Native villages devastated by flooding. But will residents return?

Alaska Native Villages Face Uncertain Future as Crews Tackle Flood Damage: Will Residents Rebuild?

KWIGILLINGOK, Alaska (AP) — As the last evacuees left the village of…
Air traffic cuts begin Friday morning: Updates around the country

Nationwide Air Traffic Reductions Set to Start Friday Morning: Latest Updates

Airports across more than two dozen states are experiencing flight reductions, and…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh cries foul, Bryan Kohberger's idea, 'house of horrors' reveal

Fox News True Crime Update: Alex Murdaugh Protests, Bryan Kohberger’s Proposal, ‘House of Horrors’ Exposed

Cellebrite on Kohberger’s search for psychopath Heather and Jared Barnhart from Cellebrite…
Mexican President Sheinbaum to press charges after man gropes her on walk

Mexican President Sheinbaum Pursues Legal Action Following Public Groping Incident

In a bold move for women’s safety, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has…
Former colleagues pay tributes to pilots killed in UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky

Former Colleagues Honor Fallen Pilots in Kentucky UPS Cargo Plane Tragedy

The recent tragic crash of a UPS cargo plane in Louisville, Kentucky,…
Dishing With Diane: Sophia's Famous Pancakes off of I-65 in Merrillville, Indiana

Culinary Spotlight: Discover Sophia’s Renowned Pancakes Along I-65 in Merrillville, Indiana

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (WLS) — Welcome to Dishing with Diane, where we showcase…
James Watson, Nobel-winning co-discoverer of DNA’s double-helix structure, dead at 97

Farewell to a Pioneer: Nobel Laureate and DNA Double-Helix Co-Discoverer James Watson Passes Away at 97

James Watson, renowned for his role in unveiling the double-helix structure of…
Court strikes down Ohio school’s pronoun policy in win for parental rights group

Ohio Court Overturns School Pronoun Policy: A Major Victory for Parental Rights Advocates

On Thursday, a federal appeals court determined that an Ohio school district…
Honda recalling more than 400,000 vehicles because wheels can come off

Honda Issues Major Recall for Over 400,000 Vehicles Due to Wheel Detachment Risk

The origin of a recent Honda recall has been linked to the…