Is this a Taylor Swift concert or Luigi Mangione’s second court hearing in New York? The confusion stems from the tents set up outside as early as 5 AM. Hundreds of supporters from all walks of life gathered to catch a glimpse of Luigi Mangione and receive factual information about the case.

Several news stations set up cameras outside the courthouse, many live-streaming on platforms like YouTube for the public. Some reporters casually remarked on how surprising it was that so many attendees refused to speak to the press. Another reporter voiced concerns about how tightly guarded the details were regarding the arrival times of the lawyers and Luigi Mangione.

Advertisement trucks, purchased by Mangione’s supporters, circled the courthouse displaying photos of him and phrases like “Jury Nullification.”

Jury nullification occurs when a jury decides to acquit a defendant, even if they believe the person committed the crime. This happens when the jury deems the law itself unfair or believes applying it in the specific case would result in an unjust outcome. By doing so, the jury effectively “nullifies” the law, choosing not to convict despite the evidence presented.

While some supporters advocate for this approach, Karen is pursuing a different defense strategy. Still, she continued to advocate for Luigi’s right to a fair trial and took it upon herself to address the public directly.

Turning to the People 

Karen decided to speak to the public after the application to allow video coverage was denied. She believes it’s crucial for people to know what is happening to Luigi Mangione. Before diving into how Mangione’s rights are being violated and her concerns over his treatment, she addressed the public directly.

She concluded her speech confidently by conveying Mangione’s gratitude to his supporters. Across social media platforms and Reddit, many of his supporters urged people to wear green in his honor. Mangione appeared in court today wearing a deep green sweater beneath what his attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, described as a “serious vest.”

One could speculate that the choice of his attire was a subtle nod to the public—a sign that his team is keeping him informed about the conversations surrounding his case.

 State Jurisdiction Plays Dirty 

Mangione is being prosecuted by three jurisdictions for a single event. Friedman Agnifilo has raised concerns about his treatment under both state and federal custody. She stated that during visits at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Mangione is free to move about without shackles, and no guards hover over them during their meetings.

However, in state custody, Mangione is visibly presented as an "enemy of the state," reinforcing a trial-by-media narrative. It appears that when he is under state jurisdiction, there’s an effort to portray him in a particular light.

During Mangione’s first court appearance, more than twenty members of the public were permitted inside. This time, only ten were allowed. Additionally, Mangione was brought in from a different entrance, making it harder for reporters to capture photos or shout questions.

Karen emphasized how these custody conditions hinder Mangione’s ability to consult with his legal team both before and after court proceedings.

DOJ Refuses Mangione Transfer 

Despite Mangione being held in federal custody, the Department of Justice refuses to allow him to be transferred to state custody. Agnifilo expressed confusion over this decision, as all parties previously agreed that the state court would proceed first. Mangione’s defense team is now juggling both the state court proceedings and the federal court, which has yet to formally charge him.

The federal court is still considering whether to pursue the death penalty, a decision that affects Mangione’s ability to meet with his legal team.

On the record today, Karen revealed that despite surpassing the deadline, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has officially provided discovery. However, the defense has yet to receive any DD5 forms—documents used by the New York City Police Department to record follow-up reports during investigations. These forms include witness interviews, detective updates, and other key developments, which are supposed to be shared with defense attorneys.

"I’m sure there will be hundreds of them," Karen stated, emphasizing the importance of the public understanding how significant it is that they haven’t been provided.

Additionally, just today, Mangione’s defense team received discovery related to his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This has raised serious concerns about potential violations of Mangione’s constitutional rights during the search and seizure process.

Fourth Amendment Violation 

Allegedly, Luigi was found with a gun and other property intended to be used against him; however, this is now part of a serious search and seizure issue that will be litigated in both the federal and Pennsylvania cases.

Mangione’s defense team has yet to review any paperwork or camera footage to make a definitive statement.

Karen also noted that Mangione is not being allowed to be transported to Pennsylvania to face his charges. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, requiring law enforcement to obtain a warrant supported by probable cause before conducting most searches or confiscating property.

Trial By Media 

“We are concerned because if the chief of detectives is telling everybody about all of this evidence—and what if it ultimately gets suppressed because it was an illegal search and seizure in Altoona, PA—how will he get a fair trial?” Karen questioned.

Recently, another documentary about Luigi Mangione was released on HBO Max, where Karen discovered new information about the case before it was ever presented to her.

The chief of detectives and New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared camera-ready, presenting evidence and discussing paperwork that Mangione’s legal defense team has yet to receive.

Forensic details mentioned in the documentary were only provided to Karen and her team today. Additionally, the documentary features an actor reading what are alleged to be Luigi’s words from a journal supposedly found on him—a journal the prosecution has not handed over to the defense.

Yet, this material is being displayed for public consumption in another sensationalized documentary, further infringing on Mangione’s right to a fair trial.

“He is being publicly treated as guilty, with a presumption of guilt rather than the presumption of innocence to which he is entitled,” Karen stated.

“It’s outrageous they have time to go out and prejudice Mr. Mangione’s ability to receive a fair trial,” she added.

What is REALLY going on?

It’s clear the atmosphere surrounding support for Luigi has shifted. At his first court appearance, security seemed more relaxed and accommodating to supporters. Today, frustration grew as officers acted more aggressively, allowing in less than five percent of those who showed up.

Karen’s focus on the case’s lack of transparency and Mangione’s alleged mistreatment shifts the conversation from "Did he do it?" to "What happened to constitutional rights?"

She expressed hope that cameras will be permitted in future proceedings and that the public will receive accurate information about the case. She also mentioned a newly launched website providing access to materials like transcripts from today’s hearing.

What I witnessed today was the growing influence of the public in this case. Three jurisdictions are pursuing one man for a single event, yet the public is inserting itself—funding mobile advertisements, protesting outside the courthouse, and demanding a fair trial.

A young man is being charged with terrorism, yet the portrayal of him as inherently dangerous raises questions about whether this is an attempt to manipulate public perception—a public that increasingly seems to feel otherwise.

It makes you wonder: What is this case really about?

Stay tuned…