Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case, Faces Death Penalty Trial

New York, NY – Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, has pleaded not guilty to all federal charges leveled against him. The charges, which include murder through the use of a firearm, two counts of stalking, and a firearms offense, were formally indicted by a federal grand jury on April 17, 2025. Mangione’s arraignment on these charges took place on April 25, 2025, in Manhattan federal court, marking a significant step toward a high-stakes trial that could result in the death penalty.

Federal Charges and Death Penalty Pursuit

The federal charges stem from what authorities describe as a meticulously planned attack. Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, before shooting him in a targeted killing motivated by grievances against the health insurance industry. The murder charge carries the possibility of capital punishment, and on April 25, 2025, federal prosecutors, under the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi, formally notified the court of their intent to seek the death penalty if Mangione is convicted. This decision has sparked intense debate, with Mangione’s defense team and supporters decrying it as politically motivated.

In addition to the federal charges, Mangione faces a separate state case in New York, where he has been charged with first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, among other counts. He has also pleaded not guilty to these charges. Furthermore, Mangione is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification to law enforcement, related to his actions prior to and following the shooting. No trial date has been set for the federal case, but legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention due to the case’s high profile and the broader societal issues it has raised.

Defense Challenges and Allegations of Misconduct

Mangione’s legal team, led by prominent defense attorneys, has mounted an aggressive challenge to the federal government’s pursuit of the death penalty. In court filings and public statements, they have labeled the move a “political stunt” orchestrated by Attorney General Bondi, arguing that it serves to advance her political agenda rather than deliver justice. The defense has also raised procedural concerns, alleging that law enforcement violated Mangione’s rights during his arrest. Specifically, they claim that authorities failed to read Mangione his Miranda rights and improperly collected DNA evidence, which they argue should be suppressed.

The defense has further contended that Mangione’s actions, while tragic, reflect widespread frustration with the health insurance industry, which they describe as prioritizing profits over patient care. This narrative has resonated with some members of the public, as evidenced by a crowdfunding campaign that has raised over $850,000 for Mangione’s legal defense. Supporters, including those who have expressed sympathy for Mangione’s alleged motives, have pointed to systemic issues in healthcare as a backdrop to the case, though prosecutors have emphasized that vigilante violence is unjustifiable.

The Shooting and Investigation

The shooting of Brian Thompson occurred in broad daylight outside the Hilton Hotel, where Thompson was attending UnitedHealthcare’s annual investors meeting. According to authorities, Mangione approached Thompson, fired multiple shots, and fled the scene, evading capture for several days. The attack was described as premeditated, with evidence suggesting Mangione had conducted extensive research on Thompson and UnitedHealthcare. Items recovered by investigators, including a backpack and a handwritten manifesto, reportedly contained criticisms of the health insurance industry and references to personal grievances, though specific details have not been fully disclosed.

Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania on December 9, 2024, following a manhunt that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the New York City Police Department. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a 3D-printed ghost gun, believed to be the weapon used in the shooting, as well as fake identification documents. These findings form the basis of the Pennsylvania charges and bolster the federal case against him.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The case has ignited a firestorm of public debate, with Mangione emerging as a polarizing figure. To some, he is a vigilante who took extreme action against a system they perceive as unjust; to others, he is a dangerous criminal whose actions warrant the harshest punishment. Social media platforms, including X, have been flooded with discussions about the case, with hashtags related to Mangione and UnitedHealthcare trending in the weeks following the shooting. Posts analyzed from X reveal a mix of outrage over Thompson’s killing, sympathy for Mangione’s alleged motivations, and calls for reform in the health insurance industry.

The crowdfunding effort for Mangione’s defense, which has drawn contributions from thousands of donors, underscores the depth of public discontent with healthcare in the United States. Some donors have cited personal experiences with denied claims or exorbitant medical costs as reasons for their support, though others have condemned the fundraising as glorifying violence. UnitedHealthcare, for its part, has issued statements expressing grief over Thompson’s death and defending its role in providing healthcare coverage to millions of Americans.

Mangione’s Background and Current Status

Little has been publicly confirmed about Mangione’s personal history, though court documents and media reports indicate he is a 26-year-old with no prior criminal record. Prosecutors have suggested that Mangione’s actions were driven by a combination of ideological beliefs and personal experiences, though they have not elaborated on specific motives pending trial. Mangione is currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he is being held without bail due to the severity of the charges and concerns about flight risk.

As the legal process unfolds, the case is likely to remain a focal point of national attention, raising questions about justice, healthcare, and the consequences of systemic inequities. Mangione’s defense team has indicated they will seek to challenge the admissibility of key evidence and may pursue a strategy that emphasizes his mental state and societal pressures at the time of the shooting. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors are preparing for a complex trial that could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Next Steps

With no trial date yet scheduled, both sides are expected to engage in extensive pre-trial motions, including disputes over evidence and the death penalty’s applicability. The state case in New York and the Pennsylvania charges will proceed concurrently, potentially complicating Mangione’s defense strategy. Legal experts anticipate that the federal trial, given its death penalty implications, will attract significant media coverage and could influence public discourse on healthcare and criminal justice.

For now, Mangione remains in custody, and the nation watches as this unprecedented case moves toward a resolution that will likely have far-reaching consequences.