The legal team representing Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has asserted that former President Donald Trump compromised Mangione’s right to a fair trial. In a recent court filing, Mangione’s attorneys highlighted comments made by Trump during a Fox News interview, as well as social media posts by Department of Justice (DoJ) employees, which they argue implied Mangione’s guilt. US District Judge Margaret Garnett responded by instructing DoJ officials to refrain from sharing remarks that could influence the trial’s fairness, cautioning that further violations could lead to sanctions. Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to the charges of murdering Thompson. During the Fox News interview, Trump described Mangione as a ‘pure assassin,’ stating, ‘He shot someone in the back as clear as you’re looking at me or I’m looking at you.’ Mangione’s lawyers also contested a White House statement that linked him to ‘left-wing extremist groups,’ citing an interview with Stephen Miller, the White House’s deputy chief of staff for policy, who referred to Mangione as a ‘self-described so-called anti-fascist.’ They argued that these statements are part of a broader political narrative that has no place in a criminal case. Thompson was fatally shot in December 2024 while entering a Manhattan hotel where his company was hosting an investors’ meeting. Five days later, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and charged with murder. He faces federal charges of stalking, firearms offenses, and murder through the use of a firearm, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty. Mangione’s lawyers have requested the removal of the death penalty, claiming that Trump’s statements violate his Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights. His next hearing is scheduled for December 5. The BBC has reached out to the White House and DoJ for comment.