Judge scolds Justice Department over public statements in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case

A Manhattan federal judge on Wednesday admonished the Department of Justice for public statements in the murder case against Luigi Mangione, saying at least two senior DOJ officials probably violated a local rule limiting statements about guilt or innocence before trial. Judge Margaret M. Garnett ordered an explanation and warned that future violations could lead to sanctions.

Trump's remarks on Fox News on Sept. 18 described Mangione as a pure assassin. A video of the remarks was posted by the White House on X, and then reposted by Chad Gilmartin, a DOJ spokesperson, who added commentary. Gilmartin's post was later deleted and was reposted by Brian Nieves, an associate deputy attorney general. Garnett asked the department to explain how the violations occurred and what steps will be taken to prevent a repeat.

Mangione is charged in federal court with murder through the use of a firearm, along with stalking and gun offenses. He has pleaded not guilty. The charges carry the possibility of the death penalty. Defense lawyers have asked that the federal charges be dismissed and that the death penalty be taken off the table, arguing that public comments by Attorney General Pam Bondi and other official actions prejudiced the case. They noted Bondi announced in April that prosecutors would seek the death penalty and described public steps that followed, including a highly choreographed perp walk and broader political messaging about capital punishment.

The defense also said Mangione does not condone violence and is not connected to the groups cited in official statements, arguing that linking him to unrelated violent acts and to political movements was prejudicial and improper in a death-penalty case. The government was asked by Garnett to respond with an account of how the postings occurred and what measures will prevent a recurrence.

There have been prior admonitions from Manhattan judges about prosecutors' public remarks in criminal cases. In 2015, Judge Valerie Caproni criticized then-U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for comments made in connection with a corruption case, warning that such public statements risked prejudicing juries. The ongoing Mangione matter remains in the early stages of federal prosecution, with the court emphasizing adherence to courtroom rules while the legal process unfolds.

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.