Accused assassin Luigi Mangione has admitted to murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and is pleading guilty to federal stalking charges.
In court today, Mangione detailed the attack: “After years of enduring severe pain from a broken back… I learned UnitedHealth would be holding an investor conference in New York City. I then researched the event online. I observed the annual conference of America’s largest healthcare organization with the stated mission to make the healthcare system better for everyone. I traveled to New York and emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to kill Brian Thompson… I shot Mr. Thompson in the back. I knew what I was doing was illegal.”
Mangione claimed he used a 3D printer to create a gun equipped with a silencer and magazine before traveling to Manhattan. He posed as an investor managing $50 billion in assets, receiving immediate responses from UnitedHealthcare leadership that he later used to locate Thompson at the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4, 2024.
“I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died,” Mangione confessed. “When I did so, I understood that my actions would place him in fear of death or serious bodily injury.”
Brian Thompson’s widow was present at the hearing, visibly distressed as Mangione made his statement.
The family stated: “Today’s guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family. While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable. Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime. We remain mindful that additional proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are still to come, and we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves.”
Mangione’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 28th, where he faces a potential life sentence for federal stalking charges.
However, his case remains complex as murder charges are pending in New York Supreme Court. Mangione’s defense argues that proceeding with a state trial would violate New York’s double jeopardy laws due to overlapping conduct.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office stated: “Since December 2024, the Manhattan D.A.’s Office has been tirelessly preparing to pursue a trial conviction in New York State Supreme Court for the alleged cold-blooded murder of Brian Thompson. While federal sentencing is pending, we are prepared to litigate the defense motions. The Manhattan D.A.’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Thompson and his family.”
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, filed a motion in state court to dismiss the charges under double jeopardy protections, explaining: “As Luigi explained in court today, he endured years of severe debilitating pain following a broken back while struggling to navigate our healthcare and health insurance systems. He believed that the system had failed him and destroyed his life.”
The state trial is scheduled for September 8, but the double jeopardy fight could delay proceedings.
Judge Margaret Garnett accepted Mangione’s guilty plea after he confirmed understanding the potential sentence of life in prison.