Manhattan prosecutors have filed a request with a judge to correct alleged false statements made by the defense team in the upcoming murder trial of Luigi Mangione and to remind the attorneys of their ethical duties.
The defense previously argued that the court’s plan for public and media access infringes Mangione’s constitutional right to a public trial, claiming the district attorney’s office participated in selecting reporters for the case.
Prosecutors refuted the claim, stating the district attorney’s office had no involvement in developing the media access plan prepared by the New York State Office of Court Administration or in choosing journalists.
Senior Trial Counsel Joel J. Seidemann wrote that the defense’s accusation appears to be an attempt to spread misinformation and undermine the proceedings.
The district attorney’s office asked the judge to remind the defense counsel of New York’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit knowingly making false statements to the court or third parties.
In a recent filing, defense attorneys Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan contended that the media restrictions amount to a partial closure of the trial, violating the First, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.
The attorneys highlighted the lack of an overflow courtroom, limits on coverage of jury selection, and a process that allows only a limited group of reporters to attend.
They asserted they were informed that only 68 journalists would receive general access and that the selection process had been outsourced to a private attorney representing legacy media organizations.
The defense requested a public hearing to identify the journalists covering jury selection and the trial, to explain the selection criteria, and to detail efforts to secure an overflow courtroom.
They also asked that the proceedings be broadcast live or, if not possible, for the court to explain the reasons.
Prosecutors reiterated that the district attorney’s office had no role in the media access plan or in selecting reporters, as the defense counsel is aware from prior interactions with the Office of Court Administration.
Luigi Mangione faces murder and terrorism‑related charges in connection with the December 4, 2024 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel, and he has entered a not‑guilty plea.
