Luigi Mangione is NOW Among the Famous Courtroom Drawings
The New York City courtroom was surrounded by Luigi Mangione’s fandom rallying in his support. Tried for the murder of United Health Care CEO, Brian Thompson, Mangione appeared in front of a judge and pled not guilty, sending the courtroom sketch artists into a frenzy. Suffice it to say, the Ivy League graduate’s likeness has been embraced by many as an emblem of defiance against the problems plaguing America’s healthcare system.
His supporters were seen carrying signs calling for ‘free Luigi,’ and “Healthcare is a Human Right.’ Other posters that stormed the courthouse depicted Mangione as a biblical figure. Mangione supporters showcased their support by wearing green scarves, sweaters, and hats to show solidarity with the accused killer, wearing a green sweater underneath a bulletproof vest. A woman donned a “Cougars for Luigi” shirt and held a banner that stated “Luigi Before Fascists.”
Courtesy – Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Courtroom Sketch Artist Says, “he’s kind of pretty” But
CNN’s Laura Coates went deep down with the courtroom sketch artist Christine Cornell. She notes that Mangione was a hard subject as he “doesn’t show an awful lot of emotional play on his face.” Although he has “distinct markings,” he is reminiscent of an alert yet spiritless “husky.” The “delicate drawing of his eyes” is elegant. Although “he’s kind of pretty…he’s also a little vacant.”
Courtesy – Jane Rosenberg
Throughout the whole trial, Mangione displayed “No emotion at all,” during any pivotal movement. His supporters both outside and inside the court “were wearing green…to show some sort of solidarity with the alleged, killer and defendant.” “The last time, I may have been the only courtroom artist there,” says Cornell, who briefed that the green symbolises, “the Mario brothers’ character Luigi.” Christine Cornell’s legal drama illustrations feature Luigi alongside attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
Jane Rosenberg’s True Crime Art Take on Luigi Mangione
Luigi Mangione was also the latest subject for another courtroom sketch artist Jane Rosenberg. In Rosenberg’s courtroom drawings of the New York Supreme Court hearing, Mangione seems to be an ordinary professional. Clad in a green sweater and a bulletproof vest over a collared shirt, he looks notably older than his years. Rosenberg’s legal drama illustrations show Mangione tilting to his left, gazing away from the presiding judge and his lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo, seemingly focused on an unidentified person or object. Behind him, Agnifilo is depicted arguing before the judge, who is looking straight ahead.
Courtesy – Jane Rosenberg
Mangione’s Fate Yet to be Determined
Thus far, no trial date has been established. Mangione is facing federal charges that could result in a death sentence if he is found guilty and is currently in custody in Brooklyn. Magione notes in a written statement, shared with his legal defence on February 14, “I am truly overwhelmed by — and thankful for –- everyone who has taken the time to write to me, sharing their stories and offering their support.”
Luigi Mangione Takes the Street
On the evening of February 20, an independent group projected a large version of what seems to be an AI-generated image of Mangione depicted as the ‘patron saint of health care’ onto a building in lower Manhattan. The image originally gained traction on social media in December after being posted by user @commiepsychologist1 on Threads. Activists supplemented their true crime art image with the words “Free Luigi” in yellow lettering.
Courtesy – Jane Rosenberg
Luigi’s Current State Shocks Courtroom Sketch Artist
One courtroom sketch artist told TMZ that she was taken aback by how extensively shackled Luigi appeared, with his handcuffs linked to a waist belt over the bulletproof vest. His ankles were also restrained, limiting him to small steps as he made his way in. At one point, Luigi’s attorney questioned the judge about the necessity of the numerous restraints and the officers surrounding him. The sketch artist observed that Luigi remained composed throughout the hearings — and not in an arrogant manner.
Image – Luigi Mangione Sketch by Courtroom Sketch Artist Christine Cornell Courtesy – CNN/Christine Cornell
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