NJ Councilman's Aide Also a Luigi Mangione Supporter with NYC Press Pass

Abril Rios, an aide to Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros, has also been identified as a supporter of Luigi Mangione, the individual accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Rios, who has publicly expressed her support for Mangione, has been seen flaunting a New York City press pass during Mangione's court hearings.

Rios holds a part-time position as a media and constituent services aide for Ephros, a Democratic Socialist. In this role, she assists with the councilman's social media presence and district office hours. Ephros confirmed Rios' employment to NJ.com, stating that she is a "communications professional with valuable experiences" whose work for his office does not conflict with her other activities.

Rios has previously described Mangione's actions as "more of a revolutionary act of protest." Her involvement with Mangione's case and her acquisition of a press pass have drawn criticism, particularly after she and other supporters, who call themselves "Mangionistas," displayed their credentials at a key evidentiary hearing in May.

Ephros indicated that his understanding is that Rios' support for Mangione is linked to her advocacy for "Medicare for All." He stated that Rios has been working for his office since June.

Rios defended her press pass in a blog post, asserting her right to use it to "platform what I believe in," comparing it to the ability of others to use press passes for opposing viewpoints. She has described herself as "extremely multifaceted," able to embody multiple roles such as a press member, activist, and media aide.

In response to the controversy surrounding the press passes, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose administration issued the credentials, has since stated that Rios and her associates should not have been granted them. Additionally, a bill has been proposed in the New York City Council that would allow the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment to suspend or revoke press credentials following an administrative hearing. Rios has expressed concern over this proposed legislation, calling it "blatant viewpoint discrimination" and "authoritarianism."