Mangione Pleads Guilty to Federal Stalking Counts, Admits Shooting CEO

Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty Friday to two federal stalking counts and admitted in court to shooting and killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in a dramatic turn in the high-profile case.

In federal court, Mangione described the crime in detail, saying he learned UnitedHealthcare would hold its annual investor conference in New York City after emailing the company while posing as an investor with more than $50 billion in capital. He said he 3-D printed part of a gun, equipped it with a silencer and magazine, and traveled to New York intending to shoot Thompson.

"I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died," Mangione told the court, adding that he knew what he was doing was illegal.

U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett accepted the plea after confirming Mangione understood he was giving up his right to a trial and could face a possible life sentence. There is no plea agreement with the federal government, and Mangione affirmed he was not threatened or promised anything. Sentencing is set for December 18.

Thompson's wife and mother attended the hearing, marking their first courtroom appearance in the case. His wife wiped away tears as prosecutors outlined evidence including surveillance footage of the shooting and Mangione's escape.

Thompson's family called the plea "an important step toward justice" in a statement, saying they are "grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable" and will continue seeking justice for Thompson.

Hours after the plea, Mangione's attorneys filed a motion in state court seeking to dismiss the separate murder charges he faces in New York on double jeopardy grounds. Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said Mangione has "accepted full responsibility" and is "being prosecuted twice for the same conduct."

The Manhattan District Attorney's office said it "remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Thompson and his family" and, according to sources, intends to fight the dismissal motion at least until Mangione's federal sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said after the hearing that "no grievance, political belief or ideological cause can ever justify murder."

Thompson was killed December 4, 2024, in Midtown Manhattan. Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and has pleaded not guilty in the state case, where trial is scheduled to begin September 8.