Overview
- U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett convenes an 11 a.m. ET hearing to consider defense motions to dismiss the murder-by-firearm count that enables a federal death penalty and to toss a related firearms charge.
- Defense lawyers argue the indictment is legally defective because the alleged stalking does not qualify as a crime of violence, with appellate specialist Paresh Patel expected to press that claim.
- Attorneys seek to suppress items seized from a backpack at Mangione’s arrest, including a gun and notebook, while prosecutors cite a warrant, search-incident-to-arrest principles, safety concerns and inevitable discovery.
- The defense alleges prejudicial publicity and a conflict tied to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s prior work at Ballard Partners; prosecutors say she has no ongoing financial interest and that outside influence played no role.
- Mangione has pleaded not guilty in federal and state cases, a state judge earlier dismissed terrorism counts, no trial date is set, and the federal judge has indicated she may set a schedule after the arguments.