Luigi Mangione Declares Not Guilty in Federal Case Involving Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO
A large crowd gathered at the courthouse for the arraignment, with dozens of attendees present.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty on Friday to a federal murder charge in Manhattan federal court. Prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty in this high-profile case.
Attired in a mustard-colored jail suit, Mangione stood between his attorneys, leaning toward a microphone as U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett inquired if he understood the indictment for the December shooting of Thompson outside a midtown Manhattan hotel. Mangione confirmed his understanding and replied “not guilty” when asked for his plea, then took his seat.
The arraignment attracted significant attention, with dozens showing up at the courthouse, including former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning. Some supporters waited for hours to secure seats inside, while others rallied outside, accompanied by advertising trucks displaying videos critical of the healthcare industry and the death penalty.
On Thursday, federal prosecutors filed an official notice indicating their intent to pursue capital punishment. This occurred just weeks after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the government would seek the death penalty for “an act of political violence” and a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.”
Bondi’s statement on April 1 reinforced the administration’s commitment to resuming federal executions and “implementing President [Donald] Trump’s agenda to curb violent crime and Make America Safe Again.”
This is the first instance since Trump’s return to office in January that the Justice Department has pursued capital punishment, following his executive order directing federal authorities to assist states in acquiring execution drugs and to seek the death penalty in severe criminal cases.
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“While professing to safeguard against murder, the federal government seeks to commit the premeditated, state-sponsored murder of Luigi,” stated defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
The judge acknowledged these concerns in court, instructing federal prosecutors to remind Justice Department officials that court rules prohibit pretrial publicity that could compromise the defendant’s right to a fair trial.
Charges and Evidence
The federal indictment against Mangione encompasses charges of murder with a firearm, stalking, and a gun offense, with the murder charge carrying the potential for the death penalty.
Surveillance footage captured a masked assailant shooting Thompson from behind as he arrived for UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference. Police reported that the ammunition used in the attack was inscribed with the phrases “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” reflecting existing criticisms of the insurance industry’s claims handling.
A notebook discovered at the time of Mangione’s apprehension reportedly contained writings expressing an intention to target the insurance industry.
Arrest and Aftermath
Mangione was apprehended on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, over 200 miles from New York City, following a five-day manhunt. Authorities state he was discovered with a 9mm handgun matching the weapon used in the crime, along with a suppressor, multiple fake IDs, and other items.
Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His next appearance in federal court is on December 5, shortly after the first anniversary of Thompson’s death, with a state court appearance slated for June 26. No trial date has been established for either case.
If convicted in federal court, Mangione will face a separate penalty phase, wherein a jury must unanimously recommend the death penalty for it to be imposed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
