Luigi Mangione appeared in a New York courtroom this week on the same day that a federal grand jury indicted him for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

While the hearing saw Mangione's attorneys make a request regarding their client, the presiding judge was quick to deny it.  

Lawyers make request

According to the Daily Mail, the alleged killer is being represented by lawyers Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan.

The trio at one point complained during Thursday's proceedings that they had insufficient access to Mangione while he was being held at the Brooklyn federal detention center.

What's more, they also asked that the defendant not be shackled while he is in court, a request which Judge Gregory Carro declined.

The Daily Mail noted that the decision was not well received by Mangione's fans, roughly 150 of whom were gathered outside of court.

Supporters decry "dehumanizing" practice

Among those disappointed supporters was Hailey Viviani, a 23-year-old cashier who resides in Staten Island. Viviani expressed discomfort over the steps taken to restrain Mangione.

"To see him with the shackles on his hands and his arms, it was dehumanizing. They’re treating him like he’s a terrible person and it’s really sad to see," she was quoted as saying.

"Seeing it online is one thing but seeing it in the flesh," Viviani continued before adding that "it was like an out-of-body experience" to lay eyes on Mangione in person.

The Daily Mail noted that Mangione appears to have plenty of well-wishers on social media, with some even hoping that he can avoid punishment.

"I hope the [death penalty] can be dropped and I hope that he has a good hearing," one person wrote. "I wish him the best of luck and hopefully these charges will be dropped."

Death penalty on table

However, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced earlier this month that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek the death penalty for Mangione, who is accused of traveling across state lines to kill Thompson.

Justice Department will seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione. Here's what to know about federal executions. https://t.co/FOshJbwU0g

— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 3, 2025

"After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again," CBS News quoted Bondi as saying in a statement.