Accused killer of US insurance CEO pleads not guilty to ‘terrorist’ murder

NEW YORK: The man accused of gunning down a health insurance executive in a brazen hit in New York that sparked fierce debate about the industry pleaded not guilty on Monday to state charges including “terrorist” murder.

Luigi Mangione wore a white shirt, burgundy sweatshirt and was shackled during his appearance in a Manhattan court where he was flanked by police officers. Monday´s hearing came after Mangione, 26, appeared in a New York court last week to face federal charges also including murder following his dramatic extradition by plane and helicopter from Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald´s restaurant.

The suspect is charged in both state and federal court in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. Thompson´s murder brought to the surface deep public frustration with the expensive and opaque US medical insurance system, with many social media users painting Mangione as a hero.

People demonstrating against the industry gathered outside court on Monday brandishing banners reading “free Luigi” and “innocent until proven guilty.” If convicted in the state case, Mangione could face life imprisonment with no parole. In the federal case, he could technically face the death penalty.