Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty in federal court Friday to charges tied to the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione faces federal charges of murder, stalking, and a firearms offense after a December shooting described by authorities as “premeditated, cold-blooded political violence.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice will seek the death penalty. Mangione’s defense attorney requested that the federal trial begin before his pending state cases in New York and Pennsylvania.
The assassination occurred on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan, resulting in a five-day manhunt that ended with Mangione’s capture in Pennsylvania. Authorities reported finding a fake ID, the suspected murder weapon, and a handwritten “claim of responsibility” in Mangione’s possession at the time of his arrest.
Investigators found three 9mm shell casings at the crime scene, each inscribed with the words “delay,” “deny,” and “defend” — references to a 2010 book criticizing the insurance industry’s practices. The DOJ alleges Mangione meticulously planned the killing as an act of political protest.
Public demonstrations supporting Mangione have emerged, with some supporters wearing green and referencing the Nintendo character Luigi. A legal defense fund set up for Mangione has raised over $950,000, and high-profile figures like Chelsea Manning have appeared at his hearings.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and other officials condemned the murder, stressing that political grievances cannot justify violence. Judge Margaret Garnett scheduled Mangione’s next federal hearing for December 5, where a trial date is expected to be set for 2026.
