Lawyers representing Luigi Mangione, accused in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, have filed a court challenge against media access restrictions for his upcoming state murder trial in New York City.

Mangione’s attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, contends that limiting the trial coverage to 68 journalists and denying an overflow courtroom violates Mangione’s constitutional right to a public trial. The defense raised concerns that the court or district attorney might "hand-pick" which reporters are allowed to attend, potentially undermining transparency.

In a filing submitted on Friday, Agnifilo outlined three objections they argue constitute constitutional violations. The defense is requesting a public hearing on the issue and demands the court provide a list of the six journalists selected to cover jury selection, the full list of 68 journalists permitted to cover the trial, and an explanation of the selection criteria and decision-makers.

Mangione has appeared at multiple hearings related to the case, including an evidence suppression hearing at the Manhattan Supreme Court on May 18, 2026, and a pre-trial hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court on June 17, 2026. Prosecutors previously recovered a gun and a notebook with writings about corporate America and the health insurance industry following the murder of CEO Brian Thompson.

The defense’s challenge highlights ongoing tensions about media access and public transparency in high-profile trials.

Sources