Luigi Mangione, 28, appeared in Manhattan federal court on Friday and admitted to shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the 50‑year‑old father of two, on 4 December 2024 as he entered a Midtown Manhattan hotel.
The accused pleaded guilty to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death, a crime that can carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. He also faces state charges in New York, including second‑degree murder and possession of firearms, though his lawyers argue the state case violates double‑jeopardy principles.
During the hearing, Mangione explained that he had planned the attack, crossed state lines with intent to kill, and used a rifle that he printed on a 3‑D printer equipped with a silencer and a magazine. He stated his motive was a “deep frustration” with the healthcare system after suffering severe back pain for years.
Thompson’s family released a statement calling the guilty plea an “important step toward justice” and expressed gratitude that the federal system held the perpetrator accountable. They said they would continue to pursue justice in both New York state and Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors have recommended a 24‑ to 30‑year prison term, but Judge Margaret Garnett clarified that the final sentence is not bound to the recommendation and that no parole exists in the federal system. Sentencing is scheduled for 18 December.
The case underscores the complexity of overlapping federal and state prosecutions, with the Manhattan District Attorney’s office poised to proceed with state charges despite Mangione’s federal plea.
