A federal judge warned senior Justice Department officials this week that continued public commentary on the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case against alleged killer Luigi Mangione could trigger sanctions for violating court rules governing statements about active litigation.

In an order issued Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, an appointee of former President Joe Biden , said DOJ officials cited by Mangione’s defense team “appear to be in direct violation” of both local rules and a prior gag order in the high-profile murder case. She directed prosecutors to file a response by Oct. 3 explaining how the prohibited comments occurred and what steps are being taken to prevent future violations.

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