Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has unexpectedly become a subject of public fascination—not for the high-profile crime but for his sartorial choices during his Manhattan courtroom appearance.
During his arraignment on December 23, Mangione faced 11 charges, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and multiple weapons offenses. Yet it was his outfit, particularly a burgundy sweater, that stole the spotlight. Mangione paired the sweater with a white-collared shirt, light gray slacks, and orange shoes, a combination that quickly drew attention.
The burgundy sweater that went viral
Initially mistaken for a $1,000 designer piece by Maison Margiela, the sweater was later identified as Nordstrom’s more affordable “washable Merino crewneck sweater,” according to The Independent. Originally priced at $89.50, the sweater is now on sale for $62.65, with the burgundy shade—the one Mangione wore—already sold out. The sweater’s sudden popularity underscores how high-profile events can influence consumer behavior, even in unusual and unsettling contexts.
Mangione pleads not guilty amid intense scrutiny
In court, Mangione pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, raised concerns about the heightened attention on her client’s case, particularly the security measures and the involvement of New York City Mayor Eric Adams during Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania.
“They are literally treating him like he is some sort of political fodder, like some sort of spectacle. He was on display for everyone to see in the biggest stage perp walk I’ve ever seen in my career. It was unnecessary,” Agnifilo said, describing the scene as excessive. “He’s been cooperative with law enforcement… There was no reason for the NYPD and everybody to have these big assault rifles.”
Agnifilo criticized the perceived politicization of the case. “It was perfectly choreographed, and what was the New York City Mayor doing at this press conference, your honor? That just made it utterly political,” she argued.
Despite the spectacle surrounding Mangione’s courtroom appearance and the unexpected cultural moment created by his sweater, the trial ahead promises to refocus attention on the gravity of the charges he faces.