Full Breakdown
NYC Mayor Reviews Press Credential Process After Mangione Supporters Celebrate CEO Murder
5/20/2026, 5:10:02 AM
Press Pass Controversy at Mangione Hearing
On May 18 2026, three supporters of alleged assassin Luigi Mangione—Ashley Rojas, Lena Weissbrot and Abril Rios—attended a Manhattan Criminal Court hearing wearing city-issued press badges. While cameras recorded the proceeding, the trio made public statements praising the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and disparaging his children. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office subsequently announced a review of the press-credentialing system.
Background of NYC Press Credential System
Since a 2021 City Council law transferred authority from the NYPD to the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), applicants must submit at least six published pieces (articles, audio, video, etc.) from the prior two years. The badge grants access to government buildings and courtrooms but can be revoked only after an OATH hearing. Prior to the transfer, the NYPD applied stricter “breaking-news” criteria.
Key Figures & Groups
- Zohran Mamdani – Mayor, who said the three “should not have received press passes.”
- Ashley Rojas, Lena Weissbrot, Abril Rios – Self-styled “Mangionistas” who hold the contested badges.
- Eric Adams – Former mayor, who criticized the issuance of passes to activists.
- David Carr – Republican City Council minority leader, who called the trio “ghouls.”
- Mickey Osterreicher – General counsel, National Press Photographers Association, commenting on credential tensions.
- David Cruz – President, New York Press Club, urging adherence to standards.
- Karen Friedman Agnifilo – Defense attorney for Mangione, distancing the defendant from the supporters.
Timeline
- Dec 4 2024 – Brian Thompson shot outside the Hilton Hotel.
- Dec 2024 – May 2026 – Mangione’s pre-trial hearings; supporters begin posting online.
- May 18 2026 – Court hearing; supporters wear press badges and make inflammatory remarks.
- May 19 2026 – Mayor Mamdani announces a review; former mayor Adams and Councilman Carr issue criticisms.
- May 20 2026 – Press clubs and legal experts comment on the need for policy reform.
Data & Statistics
Freedom-of-information requests reveal that 32 “independent journalists” have been granted NYC press credentials for covering Mangione’s case, about half approved during Adams’s tenure. The three Mangionistas are among those three recent approvals. The current rule requires six qualifying works; the Mangionistas cited personal notes and social-media posts as evidence of eligibility.
Why It Matters
The episode raises questions about the credibility of press badges, potential viewpoint discrimination, and the risk that activist-driven coverage could influence public perception of an ongoing murder trial. It also spotlights tensions between First-Amendment protections and municipal control over who may access restricted venues.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mayor Mamdani: “Those three individuals should not have received press passes; we are reviewing the entire process and standards.”
- Former Mayor Eric Adams: Warned that credentials should not be used to “masquerade as media while promoting extremism and political violence.”
- Councilman David Carr: Asserted that “they aren’t reporters—they’re ghouls” and should be barred from courtrooms.
- Mickey Osterreicher (NPPA): Described an “inherent tension” between avoiding viewpoint discrimination and preserving badge integrity.
- David Cruz (NY Press Club): Stated that “independent journalists deserve credentials, but they should follow rules and norms.”
Criticism & Opposition
Both Adams and Carr called for stricter eligibility criteria, emphasizing that the badge should be limited to bona-fide journalists. Press-industry groups echoed concerns that the current system permits “performative, advocacy-driven” use of credentials, potentially eroding public trust.
On-the-Ground Reports
Supporters’ statements captured on video included Weissbrot’s claim that “His children are better off without him… enjoy the blood money,” and Rojas’s declaration, “F--- Brian Thompson, I don’t give a flying f--- he died.” Rios posted on Instagram that “Having opinions is not illegal, and neither is sharing them.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of press passes issued under the current rules—some cite 32 independent journalists, while others note only the three Mangionistas as recent high-profile cases. The city has not disclosed whether any passes have already been revoked pending the review.
Verbatim Quotes
- “His children are better off without him. They need to learn to not be like their dad. And enjoy the blood money, kids.” — Lena Weissbrot, self-described independent journalist
- “F--- Brian Thompson, I don't give a flying f--- he died.” — Ashley Rojas, Mangionista
- “ "No decent human being should be celebrating or justifying the execution of another person because they disagree with his business practices or politics," he wrote.” — Eric Adams, former mayor
- “They aren't reporters — they're ghouls.” — David Carr, City Councilman
- “Having opinions is not illegal, and neither is sharing them.” — Abril Rios, Mangionista
- “My administration is reviewing the entire process and the standards for press credentialing.” — Zohran Mamdani, mayor
What’s Next
Mamdani’s office has pledged to hold public hearings and comment periods before amending the credentialing guidelines. Proposed reforms include requiring affiliation with a recognized media organization or journalism association and creating a “Premier Press Card” for veteran reporters. The outcome will shape how New York City balances open-media access with accountability for badge holders.
