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Luigi Mangione has admitted to federal charges in connection with the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty to two counts of stalking resulting in death during a hearing in New York City. The charges each carry a possible life sentence. He had previously entered not guilty pleas to both federal and state charges, including murder and terrorism counts, but reversed course more than a year later.
In court, Mangione described how he posed as an investor to obtain details of a UnitedHealthcare conference, then used a 3-D printer to assemble parts of the weapon he carried into Manhattan. He admitted to shooting Thompson and acknowledged that he knew his actions were illegal.
"I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died. And I knew what I was doing was illegal."
The plea came after earlier rulings narrowed the federal case. A judge dismissed one count of murder through a firearm and a firearms offense tied to allegations of a silencer. While the death penalty had initially been considered, it was ruled out in January. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18.
Outside the courthouse, defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said her client had accepted responsibility but argued that prosecuting him in both federal and state courts violated his rights. The legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the state charges under New York's double jeopardy law.
Federal prosecutors, however, emphasized the deliberate nature of the crime. U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald described the attack as calculated and premeditated, noting that Mangione carefully prepared in the days leading up to the shooting. He confirmed that prosecutors will seek the maximum penalty allowed.
Thompson's family issued a statement calling the guilty plea "an important step toward justice," while UnitedHealth Group said the executive's death devastated colleagues and loved ones.
