Luigi Mangione Expected to Enter Guilty Plea in Federal Case Over UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing

Luigi Mangione, 28, is anticipated to enter a guilty plea in a Manhattan federal court as early as Friday, according to an anonymous source familiar with the case. The plea would address two federal stalking counts tied to the December 4, 2024 shooting of UnitedHealthcare chief Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel.

Mangione, who traveled to New York City by bus and used a hostel, a cellphone and the internet while planning the attack, also faces state murder and firearms charges that are set to go to trial on Sept. 8. Under New York law, a federal conviction could trigger a double-jeopardy argument that might dismiss the state case, though prosecutors contend the state charges are distinct.

"Obviously, any guilty pleas in these matters must account for the seriousness of defendant’s offenses, the loss of an innocent life, the impact of those crimes on the victim’s family, and the other state interests that are implicated, including the sanctity of life principle that underpins the state homicide charges," wrote Assistant District Attorney Joel Seidemann.

Mangione has previously maintained a not-guilty stance and argued that facing two trials would constitute double jeopardy. A federal judge earlier removed the death penalty option but allowed evidence from Mangione’s backpack, including a 3D-printed pistol and a notebook describing his intent, to be used in court. While a psychiatric defense was briefly considered in the state case, it is not permissible in federal proceedings.

The defendant was arrested five days after the killing at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The case has attracted public attention, with supporters raising funds for his defense and attending court hearings.