Dec 4, 2025 - News

One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying

Torey Van Oot

Three flags half staff outside United Healthcare's office — Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Thursday marks one year since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed while entering an investor conference in New York City.

The big picture: The slaying of the Twin Cities resident on a busy street shocked the country, sparking national conversations about both security for high-profile executives and the insurance industry more broadly.

While many condemned the brazen murder, the killing unleashed a wave of social media-fueled rage against health insurers.

Flashback: The 50-year-old Thompson, who led the insurance division of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group, died Dec. 4, 2024, after a masked man opened fire at him outside a hotel.

Five days later, authorities arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania.

Where it stands: Mangione, who has been cast as a folk hero by supporters, faces both state and federal charges.

The Department of Justice plans to seek the death penalty.

What we're watching: Mangione appeared in New York state court this week for a multi-day pretrial hearing on evidence and other matters.

His next court date in the federal case is early next year.

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One year on, trial looms in UnitedHealthcare CEO slaying

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