Giant Image in Support of Luigi Mangione Appears in Manhattan
Luigi Mangione is scheduled to appear in a New York City courtroom on Friday afternoon, where a judge is expected to set a murder trial date for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. And the night before Mangione's court date, a massive image in support of the 26-year-old appeared on the side of a building in lower Manhattan.
Photos and video footage of the image, which appears to have been projected onto the building, surfaced on social media on Thursday night. Mangione is seen depicted as a saint-like figure, wearing a green and white cloak with a red heart at the center of his chest and a halo surrounding his head. In the middle of the image, the words "FREE LUIGI" are spelled out in bold, capitalized yellow letters.
‘Free Luigi’ billboard has gone up in lower Manhattan the evening before his next court appearance.
— Talia Jane ❤️???? (@taliaotg) February 21, 2025
Sent in anon. pic.twitter.com/C8HEjQrnvX
One supporter of Mangione's shared a clip of the image, lamenting that they couldn't be there to see it in person.
I really wish I could see this in person! It's so beautiful. And it being put up right before his court date is just ????. I absolutely love the support he's getting. They will never silence us. When they try, we find other ways. Thank you to whoever did this! Free Luigi!! ???????? pic.twitter.com/ppgT2TnbfI
— DeLulu (@In_LuigiWeTrust) February 21, 2025
Mangione's last court appearance was on Dec. 23, where he pleaded not guilty to 11 state charges including first-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, stalking, and terrorism. He also faces four federal charges that carry the death penalty.
On Mangione's website, which was created by his legal defense team to provide answers and information about his cases, he released his first public statement last Friday, Feb. 14.
"I am overwhelmed by—and grateful for—everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support," the University of Pennsylvania graduate wrote. "Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country, and around the globe."
"While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive," Mangione's added, thanking everyone who took the time to write to him and that he looked forward to hearing more in the future.