During an emergency federal court hearing in Manhattan, Luigi Mangione informed the judge of his intention to plead guilty to charges of federal stalking. The 28-year-old faces a potential maximum sentence of life imprisonment for stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson prior to his murder in December 2024.
In a move anticipated by many, Mangione confessed his guilt in a federal court session on Friday morning. This admission occurs weeks before his state-level murder trial and may influence a potential double jeopardy claim.
According to prosecutors, Mangione is the masked individual seen approaching UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. He is accused of fatally shooting Thompson in the back outside a Manhattan Hilton hotel.
“I knew what I was doing,” Mangione admitted in court.
Judge Margaret Garnett confirmed with Mangione that the maximum sentence could be life imprisonment, to which he affirmed understanding. Despite the opportunity, Mangione chose to remain seated while addressing the court.
Evidence shared by federal prosecutors includes security camera footage capturing Mangione’s bus arrival in New York and his actions surrounding the Hilton hotel on the murder morning. It depicts the gunman’s approach from behind, shooting Thompson, and then fleeing on a bicycle. Investigators have matched Mangione’s DNA, fingerprints, and confirmed an eyewitness account of the shooting. The murder weapon was found in Mangione’s backpack upon arrest.
The next steps involve a sentencing hearing set for December 18. Additionally, Mangione’s guilty plea advances potential legal strategies before his murder trial commences.
UnitedHealth Group responded in a statement to the plea:
“Brian Thompson’s life was tragically altered by violence. We appreciate law enforcement’s efforts in holding Brian’s murderer accountable. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones.”
Thompson’s family also released a statement acknowledging the importance of Mangione’s plea:
“This plea signifies progress towards obtaining justice for Brian and our family. Though our pain runs deep, we are grateful for the accountability taken under the federal justice system. We await further proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania to seek the justice Brian rightfully deserves.”
Beyond the severe charges of stalking leading to death and second-degree murder, Mangione also confronts numerous minor charges. These include firearm violations and use of a forged ID in New York and Pennsylvania.