Luigi Mangione, 28, appeared in federal court in New York on Friday and entered a guilty plea to charges related to the death of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. The appearance came after more than a year and a half of legal proceedings and significant public attention surrounding the case. Mangione arrived wearing a beige prison uniform and appeared before Judge Margaret Garnett, with Thompson’s family members present in the courtroom.
During the hearing, Mangione’s attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo announced that her client was prepared to plead guilty. Judge Garnett conducted questioning to ensure Mangione understood the implications of his decision, including that he could face life in prison. Mangione confirmed his comprehension of the charges and potential consequences.
Mangione then read a statement to the court describing his motivations. He cited years of severe pain from a back injury and difficulties with the healthcare insurance industry. He explained that he learned UnitedHealthcare was planning an annual conference in Manhattan in December 2024, which prompted him to research the event and contact the company by email while posing as an investor. According to his statement, he used a 3D printer to manufacture a firearm and shot Thompson on December 4, 2024.
When asked how he pleaded, Mangione stated “Guilty” before Judge Garnett accepted his plea. Thompson’s family members were present during the proceeding and later issued a statement indicating the guilty plea represented an important step toward justice. Sentencing is scheduled for December 18, with prosecutors recommending a sentence between 24-30 years. A separate trial on state charges is still scheduled to begin in September.
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