Apr 24, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione

Sareen Habeshian

Luigi Mangione appears at a hearing for the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson at Manhattan Criminal Court on February 21, 2025 in New York City. Mangione is accused of slaying of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson late last year and is making his first appearance on state charges of murder as an act — Luigi Mangione at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City in February. Photo: Curtis Means /Pool/Getty Images

Federal prosecutors told a court Thursday they intend to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, the man charged with murder in connection to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year.

The big picture: The move formalizes Attorney General Pam Bondi's direction to prosecutors earlier this month.

Mangione has since been indicted on federal charges that include murder through the use of a firearm, which could make him eligible for the death penalty.

Zoom in: Thursday's filing by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's office comes before Mangione's scheduled arraignment Friday.

Mangione, who is facing federal and state charges, has pleaded not guilty to murder and terrorism charges in New York City.
He faces the federal charges of murder and stalking but has yet to enter a plea.

Context: Mangione's alleged crime and arrest attracted nationwide attention and sparked mass debate over America's health care system.

Thompson was shot and killed on Dec. 4 outside a midtown Manhattan hotel while in the city for a UnitedHealthcare investor meeting.
Following a dayslong manhunt, Mangione was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on separate charges.

Go deeper: Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges

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Prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione

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