Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty in High-Profile Murder Case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Faces Potential Death Penalty

Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old defendant, has entered a plea of not guilty in a federal court in Manhattan, New York, in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The charges against Mangione include two counts of stalking, a firearm offense, and murder through the use of a firearm. The incident in question occurred on December 4, 2024, and has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim.

During the court proceedings on Friday, Mangione appeared before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett. Dressed in mustard-colored prison attire over a thermal white shirt, Mangione maintained a composed demeanor, providing one-word responses to the judge’s inquiries. He confirmed his understanding of the indictment and the charges before formally entering his plea of not guilty. The courtroom observed as Mangione conferred with his legal team prior to making his plea.

The charges against Mangione are severe, with the murder charge carrying the potential for the death penalty. Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated that federal prosecutors will pursue this maximum penalty in the trial. The case is set to proceed in the federal judicial system, where the stakes are notably high given the nature of the charges and the prominence of the victim.

The legal proceedings are expected to continue as both the prosecution and defense prepare their cases. The outcome of this trial will be closely monitored, given its implications and the attention it has garnered. As the case unfolds, further developments are anticipated, with the legal process set to determine Mangione’s culpability in the events leading to Brian Thompson’s death.