Luigi Mangione indicates guilty plea to federal charges
In an emergency hearing at a federal court in Manhattan, Luigi Mangione stated he would plead guilty to federal charges related to stalking. The 28-year-old faces a potential life sentence for stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, whom he killed in December 2024.
NEW YORK — Accused murderer Luigi Mangione pled guilty in federal court on Friday morning, following days of speculation about his intentions regarding a possible double jeopardy claim just weeks ahead of his state-level murder trial.
According to prosecutors, Mangione, 28, is the man seen in a hooded sweatshirt who approached Brian Thompson outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan and fatally shot him on December 4, 2024.
After his federal conviction, Mangione’s attorneys may pursue new double jeopardy claims, but it’s uncertain if they will be successful.
‘Planned’ attack on Brian Thompson and Mangione’s escape: A timeline
Judge Margaret Garnett confirmed for Mangione that he understood the maximum penalty for his crimes could be life imprisonment. He responded affirmatively.
Mangione informed the court that he had impersonated an investor in order to obtain information about Thompson’s meetings.
When given the chance to address the court, Mangione opted to stay seated.
“After years of suffering from severe lower back pain, I heard about a UnitedHealthcare investor meeting,” he noted.
The judge encouraged him to speak more loudly. Mangione explained that while he initially didn’t know the meeting’s precise location, he found it online and subsequently called the company directly.
He acknowledged deliberately traveling to New York City with the intention of killing Brian Thompson.
“On the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot and killed Mr. Thompson in Manhattan,” he declared in court. “I was aware of my actions.”
Judge states jurors will remain anonymous due to intimidation concerns
Federal prosecutors have gathered substantial evidence for trial, including surveillance footage allegedly showing Mangione arriving in New York by bus and following Thompson around the Hilton before the shooting. The video depicts the hooded assailant attacking Thompson from behind.
Police found Mangione’s DNA and fingerprints near the scene, and they recovered what appeared to be the murder weapon in his backpack at the time of his arrest. Further evidence includes cell phone activity and eyewitness accounts of the shooting.
Garnett has set a sentencing hearing for December 18.
Mangione’s plea deal ignites a clash regarding the murder trial of Brian Thompson
A spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group commented, “Brian Thompson’s life ended due to an act of violence, leaving all who knew him heartbroken. We appreciate law enforcement for delivering justice and extend our thoughts to Brian’s family during this difficult time.”
Thompson’s family also issued a statement through a spokesperson, saying, “Today’s guilty plea signifies an important step towards justice for Brian and our family. While his absence is painful, we appreciate that the federal justice system held accountable those responsible for this monstrous act. We now call upon the court for a sentence reflecting the seriousness of this crime. We will continue to pursue justice for Brian, keeping in mind that more legal proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are forthcoming.”
In addition to the main charges of second-degree murder and stalking leading to death, Mangione is facing several lesser charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, including multiple firearms violations and possession of a fraudulent ID.
This is an ongoing story. Stay tuned for updates.
