Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal murder and stalking charges after the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, asserting the act was politically motivated. The trial is set for 2026, following extensive review of evidence.
Luigi Mangione Denies Federal Murder Charges Linked to CEO Shooting

Luigi Mangione Denies Federal Murder Charges Linked to CEO Shooting
The 26-year-old suspect pleads not guilty in court as prosecutors pursue the death penalty for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old man, has formally pleaded not guilty to all federal charges stemming from the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel last year. Arrested in December 2022, Mangione faces serious allegations of murder and stalking, with prosecutors now pushing for the death penalty if he is convicted.
On Friday, Mangione entered the courtroom dressed in prison garb and handcuffs, making his plea before Judge Margaret Garnett. He confirmed to the court that he had fully read the indictment outlining the charges against him. Shortly before his plea, federal prosecutors filed their petition for capital punishment, contending that Thompson's murder was a premeditated act intended to convey an ideological message against the health insurance industry.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi underscored the gravity of the situation, asserting that Thompson's murder represents "an act of political violence." Meanwhile, Mangione's legal team has described the notion of execution as "barbaric." During the 35-minute hearing, the judge worked to outline a timeline for pre-trial preparations, while defense lawyers expressed their objections to the indictments on both federal and state levels.
Prosecutors indicated the vast amount of evidence—approximately three terabytes—will necessitate months of review, meaning a federal trial for Mangione is unlikely to occur until 2026. The judge has scheduled the next hearing for December 5, where a definitive trial date will be established.
Mangione's attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, advocated for a trial in federal court first, emphasizing that pursuing a state trial prior could lead to "constitutional issues." Furthermore, she accused state prosecutors of inappropriate surveillance on Mangione’s calls from incarceration.
The case has caught significant public attention, leading to divided sentiments on Mangione's actions. Some view him as a folk hero, while a legal defense fund established in his name has reportedly received almost $1 million in donations. The shooting scene itself featured shell casings inscribed with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose," which critics associate with corporate practices in the healthcare industry.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of the trial will likely resonate beyond the courtroom, touching upon the broader societal debates regarding healthcare practices and political violence in America.