Mangione admits killing healthcare CEO and pleads guilty to federal charges

Luigi Mangione has admitted to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and pleaded guilty to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death. The 28-year-old admitted in a Manhattan federal court on Friday that he shot Thompson from behind at a hotel on December 4, 2024. Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, died from the gunshot wound.

Following the plea hearing, Thompson's family expressed relief that someone would be held accountable for the heinous act. Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the federal charges. He also faces state charges in New York, which his lawyers are seeking to dismiss. Mangione had initially pleaded not guilty in both the federal and state cases.

In court, he admitted to planning the attack in advance, crossing state lines with the intent to kill, and using a 3D-printed gun equipped with a silencer and magazine. He claimed his actions were driven by his experiences with the healthcare system after enduring severe pain from a broken back. Mangione emailed UnitedHealthcare posing as an investor to learn about the annual investor conference in Manhattan, where Thompson was set to speak.

The sentencing for the federal charges is set for December 18. Thompson's family stated they would continue seeking justice in both New York state and Pennsylvania. While prosecutors recommended a 24-30 year sentence, Judge Margaret Garnett said the maximum would be life in prison. Mangione's guilty plea complicates his New York state case, which is scheduled to begin in September.

His lawyers argue the state case violates double jeopardy, but the Manhattan District Attorney's office is prepared to proceed with the state prosecution.