Luigi Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty Friday to two federal stalking charges in Manhattan Federal Court, admitting he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Thompson, 50, was gunned down as he walked to a conference in Midtown Manhattan.
Mangione's guilty plea came during a hearing before Judge Margaret Garnett, where he stated, "I shot Mr. Thompson and he died." He also acknowledged that his actions would have caused Thompson to fear for his life or safety, and that he knew his conduct was illegal. The admission is expected to complicate the upcoming state murder trial, as Mangione's legal team argues it could invoke double jeopardy laws.
Thompson's uncle, Bruce Thompson, expressed hope that Mangione would receive a severe sentence. "I hope he gets what he deserves. There's still a lot of legal hassle we have to go through. We'll see what December 18 brings, we hope he gets the max," Bruce Thompson told The Times of London. He added that the guilty plea on the federal charges provided a sense of relief for the family, describing it as "a happy morning and a sad morning."
Brian Thompson's widow, Paulette Thompson, and their two sons have reportedly endured stalking and abuse following the CEO's death. Paulette Thompson made a rare public appearance in court for the hearing. The Thompson family released a statement after the plea, calling for a strong punishment and expressing gratitude for accountability while acknowledging that further proceedings are anticipated in New York and Pennsylvania.
Federal prosecutors stated that Mangione does not have a plea deal and they will seek the maximum sentence for the stalking charges. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18.
Mangione detailed his plan to target Thompson, citing years of frustration with the health insurance system. He learned of UnitedHealthcare's investor conference in New York City and researched attendees, noting the absence of doctors, nurses, and patients among those scheduled to be present. He then emailed UnitedHealthcare leadership, posing as an investor, to inquire about the conference details. He also revealed that he used a 3-D printer to create part of the firearm used in the killing before traveling to New York.
Mangione faces a separate state murder trial next month. His lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the state charges, asserting that New York's double jeopardy laws should prevent a second prosecution for the same conduct following a guilty plea in federal court. Legal experts note that federal and state governments are generally considered independent, but New York law includes provisions against double jeopardy under certain circumstances, particularly following a conviction or plea.
