Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty In Federal Court

NEW YORK — Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty Friday in Manhattan federal court to stalking charges that led to the 2024 death of UnitedHealthcare head Brian Thompson, telling the court that he was spurred to shoot the CEO “after years of enduring severe pain from a broken back” and “navigating the obstacles of the healthcare system.”

Mangione, 28, who was in tan prison garb with close-cropped facial hair, admitted to the high-profile killing that resulted in a multi-state manhunt.

He told U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett that after learning the health care company would hold an investor conference in New York City in December 2024, he emailed the company posing as an investor. He said he received an “immediate response within an hour,” implying the company disclosed the precise location of the conference.

He said he then used a 3D printer to make part of a gun and equipped it with a silencer.

“In the morning of December 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan in his back,” Mangione told the judge, speaking calmly. “I understood my actions would place him in fear of death or serious bodily injury,” he continued. “I knew what I was doing was illegal.”

Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. In remarks after the hearing, U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald emphasized that because Mangione didn’t strike a plea deal with the office, “we are free to seek the maximum penalty under the law.”

McDonald also addressed some of the throngs of young people who have publicly embraced Mangione and defended his actions, often attending his court appearances in support.

“Mangione committed this murder in an attempt to draw public attention to his dislike of certain businesses. But we live in a civilized society governed by the rule of law,” McDonald said. “There can be no celebrity in assassination. Any person who celebrates, encourages, or excuses actions like these is fundamentally wrong.”

Mangione is also set to face trial on a murder charge next month in New York state court.

The judge set Mangione’s sentencing for Dec. 18.

Members of Thompson's family sat in the front row in the gallery of the courtroom, some wiping tears from their faces as Mangione admitted to the murder. In a statement following the proceeding, they said that “today's guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family,” adding: “Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime.”