Luigi Mangione's trial begins in New York for the murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare

The defense of Luigi Mangione, the young man accused of murdering the president of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, called on Friday for a "fair trial" for his client, while dozens of people gathered outside the courthouse demanding his release.

Mangione appeared in Manhattan Superior Court on Friday, handcuffed and wearing a bulletproof vest, under heavy police protection. During the hearing, his defense lawyers urged for "a fair trial because he is being publicly treated as guilty."

The 26-year-old is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street on Dec. 4.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges against him in Manhattan court, including murder as a "terrorist act."

He also faces four additional charges in federal court related to weapons possession and murder, as well as separate charges for weapons possession in a Pennsylvania court, where he was arrested.

Although the death penalty is abolished in New York State, the federal charges he faces could result in a death sentence for the engineering graduate from a wealthy Baltimore family.

Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said "The federal government is still considering whether to execute Luigi and considering whether to seek the death penalty, so we're fighting that." She emphasized that they are fighting against this possibility, even though he will most likely be tried in Manhattan court first.

The murder and Mangione’s five-day flight before his capture at a McDonald's in Altoona, a small town in neighboring Pennsylvania, captivated Americans, many of whom are highly critical of private health insurance.

"Free Luigi!"

Outside the courthouse, dozens of people braved the frigid temperatures to demand a fair trial and chant "Free Luigi."

Several dozen people, mostly young, also gathered outside the courtroom—the same one that hosted the trial against President Donald Trump, the only case among his multiple legal battles to bring him to the defendant's seat.

"While I do not justify violence (...) I also do not condone the US healthcare industry's complete prioritization of profits over human lives," Lindsay Floyd told AFP, who hopes this case will generate "serious conversations about healthcare reform" in the country.

Faced with the "extraordinary volume of inquiries and outpouring of support" for Mangione, his lawyers have set up a website to report on his judicial situation.

"I am overwhelmed and grateful for everyone who has written to me to share their stories and express their support," Mangione said in a message, noting that "although it is impossible for me to respond to most of the letters, know that I read every one I receive."

The fund established to raise $1 million for his defense has already collected nearly $527,000, including $10,000 in donations over several hours on Friday.

"He who saves his country does not violate any law. We love you," reads a message from a $10 donor.

At the scene of the crime in front of a Manhattan hotel where a UnitedHealthcare investor conference was taking place, bullet casings were discovered with the inscriptions "delay," "deny," and "depose"—the most commonly used terms in the healthcare industry in a country where a disease can lead to financial ruin for many.