Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty in Court, Says “I Shot Mr. Thompson”
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty Friday to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, telling a Manhattan courtroom in his own words how he tracked and shot the executive in December 2024.
Mangione, 28, entered his plea during a Friday morning hearing before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett, answering "yes" when asked whether he intended to plead guilty to the two federal charges against him: interstate stalking resulting in death and stalking through the use of interstate facilities resulting in death. Thompson's family was present in the courtroom as he spoke.
What Mangione Told the Court
In his allocution, Mangione described posing as a potential investor managing more than $50 billion in assets and emailing UnitedHealthcare to confirm the location of an investors conference so he could track Thompson's movements. He said in a statement that his travel to New York and email to the company were done "with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson."
He also told the court he built a gun using a 3D printer and attached a silencer before heading to Manhattan. Describing the shooting itself, Mangione said, "I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died." He added that he understood the danger his actions posed to Thompson and knew at the time that what he was doing was illegal.
No Deal, and a Steep Sentence Ahead
Mangione did not reach a plea agreement with prosecutors before entering his plea. Manhattan federal prosecutors said they intend to seek a life sentence on the stalking charges, which carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Garnett told Mangione that even with a guilty plea, he would still be required to serve up to 85% of whatever sentence he receives. Sentencing was scheduled for Dec. 18.
The plea avoids a federal trial that had been scheduled for January 2027. It follows an earlier ruling by Garnett that dismissed harsher federal murder and firearms charges against Mangione, a decision that removed the possibility of the death penalty from the federal case.
What Happens to the State Case
Shortly after the federal hearing, Mangione's lawyers filed a motion in New York state court seeking to dismiss the murder and weapons charges he still faces there, arguing the state's double jeopardy law bars prosecuting him again for the same underlying conduct. Mangione's state case includes second-degree murder, weapons and forgery charges, with jury selection previously set to begin Sept. 8.
Background on the Case
Thompson, 50, was shot and killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Dec. 4, 2024, where UnitedHealthcare had gathered for an investor conference. Shell casings recovered at the scene were marked with the words "delay," "depose" and "deny." A five-day manhunt followed before Mangione, an Ivy League graduate from Maryland, was arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald's with a fake ID, a 3D-printed gun and a handwritten document described by police as a manifesto.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.