Luigi Mangione, 26, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4. Mangione faces multiple charges, including first- and second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and forgery. Arrested in Pennsylvania shortly after the incident, Mangione waived extradition and was flown to New York to face charges in both state and federal courts.
Prosecutors allege that Mangione meticulously planned the attack for months, stalking Thompson for days leading up to the murder. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that the crime was methodical, citing evidence from a federal complaint that described Mangione’s detailed preparations. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim suggested that Thompson was targeted because of his role as the CEO of a health insurance company, describing the act as a “cold-blooded” killing.
Mangione’s legal troubles extend beyond the murder charges. Pennsylvania authorities have accused him of possessing a 3D-printed firearm and a fake ID, which were found during his arrest. His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has claimed that Mangione is being treated unfairly and vowed to fight the charges aggressively in both state and federal courts.
The case has drawn significant attention, with federal and local law enforcement coordinating to ensure Mangione is prosecuted to the fullest extent. As proceedings begin, Mangione faces parallel trials for the state and federal charges, with prosecutors emphasizing the calculated and heinous nature of the crime.
