NEW YORK CITY — Judge Gregory Carro sealed a virtual court proceeding in the Luigi Mangione case on June 3, 2026, without allowing the press or public an opportunity to object. The proceeding had been scheduled as a public virtual conference in the New York state case against Mangione for the killing of healthcare executive Brian Thompson.
New York state court administrators announced on June 2 at 1:18 p.m. that the proceeding would be sealed, less than 24 hours before its scheduled start. Attorneys for multiple media organizations and at least one reporter filed letters requesting a chance to address the court about the sealing decision. Judge Carro did not provide the press or public any opportunity to be heard regarding the sealing, despite their objections.
The virtual proceeding began at approximately 9:30 a.m., and Judge Carro took the bench at approximately 10:30 a.m. After opening the session, he made brief remarks on the record: "Just so the record is clear, we did have a virtual proceeding in the people versus Luigi Mangione case. Defendant was present. His attorneys were present. The people were present." He added, "At the request of the defense, that proceeding is sealed at the moment and we have adjourned the case to June 16 and it’s a physical appearance and you’re all invited to be here."
Judge Carro did not explain why the proceeding was sealed. After making his remarks, he did not allow the press an opportunity to address the court and proceeded immediately to the next case.
Under New York and U.S. law, there is a legal presumption of public and press access to court proceedings, including virtual ones. Judges are barred from restricting public access unless there is a specific legal reason for doing so. Multiple court rulings mandate that the press and public have a right to address the court with objections over sealing decisions. Virtual court conferences in New York are routinely accessible to the press and public via video display in courtrooms.
Brian Thompson was shot dead on a Manhattan street in late 2024. Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty in both the New York state and federal cases related to Thompson’s killing. Mangione’s New York state trial is scheduled for September 8, 2026.