NYC to review press pass process after credentialed journalists openly back Mangione, CEO's killing

The New York City mayor's office is reviewing its approval process for press passes after a credentialed journalist supporting Luigi Mangione, who is charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, publicly said the executive's family members are "better off" without him.

The journalist, Lena Weissbrot, is seen in a viral video taken Monday outside a NYC courthouse where Mangione had a brief appearance saying Thompson's teenage sons are "better off without him" and they should "enjoy the blood money." 

Weissbrot is wearing a press pass in the video, as is Ashley Rojas, who can be heard saying, "F--k Brian Thompson. I don’t give a flying f--k he died," according to The New York Times. 

Each identifies themselves as being associated with a group called "The Mangionistas," which supports Mangione and calls his murder trial an injustice. 

A spokesperson for the office of Mayor Zohran Mamdani told The Times that the administration was reassessing the process and standards for granting press credentials. 

Thompson was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan in 2024. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the case.