US jury in Luigi Mangione murder trial to remain anonymous

What the report says

A New York state judge has ordered that the jury in Luigi Mangione’s upcoming murder trial remain anonymous, as the high-profile case over the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson moves toward trial. According to Al Jazeera, the ruling was announced by Justice Gregory Carro at a hearing on Tuesday, with jury selection expected to begin on September 8.

The judge did not publicly explain the decision. Anonymous juries are uncommon in US criminal cases, but courts sometimes use them in major trials when there are concerns about harassment, intimidation or safety. Carro also directed that an overflow courtroom be available for journalists and the public if the main courtroom fills up, reflecting the strong attention surrounding the proceedings.

Mangione, 28, has pleaded not guilty to murder, weapons and forgery charges tied to the December 2024 shooting of Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. The case drew national attention after video of the killing spread online and a five-day manhunt ended with Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania. Prosecutors say they have extensive evidence, including surveillance footage, forensic material, a phone and a gun they link to the shooting, along with a notebook they say contains writings about targeting a health insurance executive.

The article notes that Mangione also faces separate federal charges related to the killing. Federal murder and weapons counts were dismissed earlier on legal grounds, but stalking charges remain. His federal trial is scheduled for January.