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Luigi Mangione has admitted in a U.S. courtroom that he shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The 28‑year‑old pleaded guilty to two federal charges of stalking Thompson with the intent to kill, telling the judge calmly, “I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died.”
Appearing in prison clothing, he pleaded guilty to stalking Thompson with the intent to kill and read a prepared statement acknowledging that he fatally shot the executive outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024.
Luigi Mangione guilty plea
The killing, captured on video, sparked a five‑day manhunt before Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania. Prosecutors say they will push for a life sentence when he returns to court on December 18, though the judge may consider his guilty plea when deciding punishment.
Thompson’s widow, Paulette, and other family members attended the hearing. They grew emotional as Mangione accepted responsibility, later describing the guilty plea as an important step toward justice.
In his statement, Mangione also spoke about frustrations with the U.S. health insurance system. He said he struggled with coverage after a back injury and admitted pretending to be a wealthy investor to get details about UnitedHealthcare’s 2024 conference. He even acknowledged using a 3D printer to make part of the gun used in the shooting. Prosecutors stressed that no grievance with the health system could ever justify murder.
The guilty plea means there won’t be a federal trial, but Mangione still faces separate charges in New York state court. His lawyers argue that trying him in both federal and state courts could violate double jeopardy protections. Still a state trial is scheduled for September 8 in Manhattan, where he faces up to 25 years to life if convicted of second‑degree murder.
Earlier rulings had already reshaped the federal case. In January 2026, the judge dismissed federal murder and weapons charges, removing the possibility of a death penalty. Manhattan prosecutors had also dropped terrorism charges in 2025. With this plea, the federal case now moves directly to sentencing, while the state proceedings remain unresolved.
For Thompson’s family, the admission is an important step toward justice. Luigi Mangione guilty plea closes one chapter in federal but the outcome of the state trial will decide whether his punishment goes even further.
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