UnitedHealthcare CEO killer pleads guilty to federal stalking charges in Manhattan
The 28-year-old defendant appeared in New York federal court, detailing his use of a 3D-printed weapon and posing as an investor to access the victim. Sentencing is set for December, with prosecutors recommending a 24-to-30-year term.
Luigi Mangione, 28, has pleaded guilty in a New York federal court to federal stalking charges related to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. The plea, entered before Judge Margaret Garnett, resolves the remaining federal charges against Mangione and avoids a federal trial on these counts. The incident occurred on 4 December 2024, when Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan hotel, sparking a significant media storm and worldwide attention.
During the hearing, Mangione delivered a statement to the court, admitting: "I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died." He explained that he researched UnitedHealthcare’s annual conference details online and emailed the company posing as an investor to gain access to the event. Mangione further stated that he used a 3D printer to manufacture the gun used in the shooting.
Mangione appeared in court wearing a beige prison uniform with shackled feet and hands held behind his back, though not handcuffed. He conferred with his lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who confirmed he was prepared to plead guilty at the start of the hearing. Judge Garnett accepted the plea after ensuring Mangione understood the consequences, including the possibility of life imprisonment, to which he replied affirmatively.
Members of Thompson’s family were present and appeared visibly emotional during the hearing. In a statement following the admission, they described the day as an important step toward justice. The maximum sentence for each of the two stalking charges is life in prison, though prosecutors have recommended Mangione serve between 24 to 30 years.
Mangione is scheduled to be sentenced on 18 December, with Judge Garnett ultimately deciding the term despite the prosecutors' recommendation. A separate state trial regarding the murder remains scheduled to begin in September, the outcome of which is yet to be determined.
