Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal charges in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Luigi Mangione has entered a guilty plea in Manhattan federal court regarding the December 2024 fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson. Appearing before US District Judge Margaret Garnett in prison attire, the 28-year-old formally admitted to targeting and shooting Thompson, confirming that he acted with full knowledge that his actions were illegal.

During his statement to the court, Mangione detailed his preparations leading up to the attack. He explained that after suffering years of severe back pain and struggling with the health insurance system, he researched UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference. Mangione admitted to impersonating an institutional investor to gain event details, manufacturing firearm components using a 3D printer, and traveling to Manhattan specifically to shoot the executive.

The guilty plea resolves federal stalking charges that carry significant prison time and eliminates a federal trial. Following the hearing, Mangione’s defense team filed motions requesting the dismissal of pending state murder charges in New York, arguing double-jeopardy protections. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office affirmed its intention to proceed with state prosecution.