Prosecutors reject Mangione's bid to disqualify Bondi in death-penalty case

Federal prosecutors called defense claims that Attorney General Pam Bondi should recuse 'meritless' ahead of a federal hearing in Luigi Mangione's case; the defense is also seeking to suppress evidence recovered from a backpack.

Federal prosecutors have rejected a defense effort to disqualify Attorney General Pam Bondi from the federal case against Luigi Mangione, calling the arguments "meritless." The defense argued Bondi's prior partnership at Ballard Partners, which has ties to the company of the alleged victim, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, created a conflict and prejudice. Prosecutors wrote that Bondi no longer works for the firm, is not being paid by the firm or its clients, and was not influenced by corporate interests when the Department of Justice decided to seek the death penalty. The defense is also seeking to suppress evidence recovered from a backpack and has asked the judge to allow a future evidentiary hearing. Key points: - Prosecutors described the defense recusal arguments as "incomplete and misleading" and urged the court to reject them. - The defense cited Bondi's former role at Ballard Partners and the firm's ties to the company of the alleged victim as reasons for recusal. - Prosecutors said Bondi has no current employment or payments from the firm or its clients and denied any corporate influence in the DOJ's decision to seek the death penalty. - The defense dropped a motion to suppress statements made before and after arrest but continues to seek suppression of items seized from a backpack; the DOJ says an evidentiary hearing is unnecessary. - Other pending motions include efforts to dismiss two of four federal charges, and Mangione is scheduled for a status conference on Friday. Summary: Prosecutors have rejected the defense's recusal motion and disputed claims of corporate influence. The defense remains focused on suppressing backpack evidence and has requested a future evidentiary hearing while the DOJ says one is unnecessary; Mangione is due in federal court for a status conference on Friday.