Judge Allows Gun Found in Mangione’s Backpack to Be Used as Evidence

Evidence found during the search at the time of his arrest had been ruled inadmissible.

Luigi Mangione appears in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on Dec. 8, 2025. Sarah Yenesel/Pool Photo via AP

The judge in the United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s fatal shooting case ruled that prosecutors are allowed to use the alleged gunman’s weapon in the upcoming trial.

A state court judge ruled on May 18 that prosecutors in the case are allowed to use the items discovered during the search of Luigi Mangione’s backpack at a police station, but not what was found during the search at the time of his arrest.