NJ Councilman’s Aide Flaunts NYC Press Pass Amid Murder Case
Abril Rios, a media aide for Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros, has been publicly displaying a New York City press pass while covering the Luigi Mangione murder case. Her dual roles have sparked controversy over potential conflicts of interest and the use of press credentials. The incident highlig…
By Felo News Desk · Published
A New Jersey councilman’s aide has become a focal point of controversy after she publicly displayed a New York City press pass while covering the high‑profile murder trial of Luigi Mangione, the former UnitedHealthcare executive who was accused of killing the company’s CEO. The aide, Abril Rios, is a part‑time media and constituent services assistant for Jersey City Councilman Jake Ephros, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Rios’s dual roles have raised questions about the appropriateness of her press credentials and the potential for conflicts of interest in her reporting.
Who is Abril Rios and What Does She Do?
Rios, who has described herself as a “Mangionista,” has been working for Councilman Ephros since June, according to her LinkedIn profile. In her role, she manages the councilman’s social media presence, assists with constituent services, and helps coordinate office events. Councilman Ephros has publicly praised Rios as a “communications professional with valuable experience” who contributes significantly to his office’s daily operations. He has also noted that Rios’s freelance press work is limited to coverage of the Mangione case and does not conflict with her responsibilities in Jersey City.
The Press Pass Controversy
During a key evidentiary hearing in May, Rios and two other self‑proclaimed Mangionistas—Ashley Rojas and Lena Weissbrot—displayed press credentials issued by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). The trio used the credentials to attend the hearing and to post images on social media, which drew criticism from city officials and the public. Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration has since stated that the trio should not have been granted press credentials for the event.
Rios, who is also a model and has referred to herself as a “Hot Girl for Zohran,” defended her press pass on her Substack blog. She argued that, just as one can obtain a press pass to promote viewpoints that are often labeled as anti‑socialist, she too can acquire a pass to voice her own beliefs. Rios’s blog post emphasized her support for Medicare for All and her broader political activism.
Political Context and Potential Conflicts
Councilman Jake Ephros is a prominent advocate for universal healthcare, universal rent control, and the elimination of tipped minimum wage in Jersey City. His political platform aligns closely with the Democratic Socialists of America, and he has been a vocal supporter of policies that mirror Rios’s public statements. The overlap between Rios’s political advocacy and her coverage of the Mangione case has raised concerns about impartiality and the potential for her reporting to be influenced by her political affiliations.
In a statement to the Lone Pine Press for the New York Post, Ephros clarified that Rios’s involvement in the Mangione case is “centered on her support for Medicare for All.” He added that her freelance press work does not interfere with the responsibilities she performs for the councilman’s office. However, critics argue that the dual roles could create a perception of bias, especially given the high‑stakes nature of the murder trial.
Regulatory Response and Legislative Action
The controversy has prompted the New York City Council to consider new legislation that would give the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment the authority to suspend or revoke press credentials after an administrative hearing. The proposed bill, sponsored by Brooklyn Councilman Chris Banks, aims to address concerns about viewpoint discrimination and the misuse of press credentials. Rios has expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it would be a form of “blatant viewpoint discrimination” and likening it to former President Trump’s ban on certain media outlets from the White House.
Rios told NJ.com that she is “very concerned” about the bill’s potential impact on press freedom. She described herself as “extremely multifaceted,” emphasizing that her career spans journalism, activism, and political aide work. Rios’s stance highlights the broader debate over the balance between protecting press freedom and ensuring that media access is not used to advance partisan agendas.
What Happens Next?
The New York City Council is expected to hold hearings on the proposed bill in the coming months. Meanwhile, the city’s press credentialing process is under scrutiny, and the MOME may review its policies regarding the issuance, suspension, and revocation of press passes. Councilman Ephros has not yet responded to further inquiries about the situation, and it remains unclear how the councilman’s office will navigate the potential conflict between Rios’s political advocacy and her media responsibilities.
As the Luigi Mangione trial continues—he is scheduled to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court on December 8, 2025—Rios’s dual role will likely remain a point of contention. The case itself, which centers on the alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has drawn national attention and has become a flashpoint for discussions about corporate accountability, healthcare policy, and political activism.
In the meantime, Rios and her colleagues continue to use social media to share updates on the trial, while the city government and the public debate the appropriate limits of press access for individuals with political ties.
Overall, the situation underscores the complex relationship between media, politics, and public perception in high‑profile legal cases. The outcome of the proposed legislation and the ongoing scrutiny of press credentialing practices will likely shape how journalists and political aides navigate similar conflicts in the future.
Key facts
- Abril Rios works for NJ councilman Jake Ephros while covering the Luigi Mangione murder case.
- She flaunted a NYC press pass during a key hearing, sparking controversy.
- Councilman Ephros claims no conflict, but critics see potential bias.
- NYC Council is considering a bill to allow revocation of press credentials.
- Rios opposes the bill, citing viewpoint discrimination.
- The case remains a national focus on corporate accountability and healthcare policy.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the delicate balance between press freedom and potential conflicts of interest when media professionals hold political roles, raising questions about the integrity of reporting in high‑profile legal cases.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Luigi Mangione?
Luigi Mangione is a former UnitedHealthcare executive accused of murdering the company’s CEO, Brian Thompson, in December 2024.
What is the role of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment?
The MOME issues press credentials for media coverage of city events and has the authority to suspend or revoke them if necessary.
Why is the press pass controversy significant?
It raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and viewpoint discrimination in media coverage of high‑profile legal cases.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Luigi Mangione’s NYC press pass-flaunting fangirl works as aide in NJ councilman’s office”
