Jersey City aide identified as supporter of Luigi Mangione

Abril Rios, a self-described ‘Mangionista’ and supporter of Luigi Mangione, serves as a part-time media and constituent services aide for Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros. Rios has publicly characterized the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as ‘more of a revolutionary act of protest.’

Councilman Ephros, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defended Rios’s role, stating she is a communications professional whose freelance press work on the Mangione case does not conflict with her duties in Jersey City. Ephros noted that Rios’s involvement in the case is centered on her support for ‘Medicare for All.’

Rios and other individuals identified as ‘Mangionistas’ previously drew attention for displaying press passes obtained through New York City’s administration during evidentiary hearings related to the murder case.