Luigi Mangione admits shooting healthcare CEO Brian Thompson and pleads guilty on federal charges – as it happened

Luigi Mangione has admitted to shooting dead UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, pleading guilty on Friday to two federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death. The 28-year-old appeared in Manhattan federal court where he confessed to the killing for the first time, stating plainly: "On the morning of December 4 2024 I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died." The guilty plea brings an end to the prospect of a federal trial but throws his separate state case into potential legal disarray.

The Courtroom Confession

Mangione arrived at the federal courthouse wearing a beige prison uniform with a white T-shirt underneath, his feet shackled and his hands held behind his back. A packed courtroom included members of Thompson's family, who at times appeared visibly emotional, alongside press, supporters and court staff. Judge Margaret Garnett conducted a series of standard questioning to establish that Mangione understood the gravity of his decision. When asked if he understood he could face life in prison, he replied yes.

His statement to the court was initially rushed and somewhat mumbled, but after Judge Garnett politely suggested he lean into the microphone, he continued steadily. Reading from prepared remarks, Mangione described years of enduring severe pain from a broken back and his experiences navigating the healthcare insurance system. He explained that after learning UnitedHealthcare would hold its annual investor conference in Manhattan in December 2024, he researched the event online and emailed the company posing as an investor to gather information.

Planning and Intent

Mangione stated that his travel to New York and his email to UnitedHealthcare were undertaken with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson. He told the court that he used a 3D printer to forge part of a firearm and affix it with a silencer and magazine. Thompson, described as a UnitedHealthcare chief executive, was shot from behind on 4 December 2024 as he walked into a hotel in midtown Manhattan.

In his courtroom statement, Mangione elaborated on his motivation, stating: "After years of enduring severe pain from a broken back navigating the obstacles of the health insurance system and witnessing similar experiences of countless others" he learned of the conference. He observed that the conference "would be attended by company executives the board of directors and hundreds of investors not doctors nurses and patients."

When Judge Garnett asked how he now pleaded to the two federal stalking charges against him, Mangione leaned into the microphone and stated: "Guilty." The admission marked a dramatic reversal from his previous not-guilty pleas in both federal and state cases.

Sentencing and Competing Prosecutions

Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole on the federal charges. Sentencing is scheduled for 18 December. Federal prosecutors have recommended he serve between 24 and 30 years in prison, though Judge Garnett will ultimately decide his sentence. Thompson's family issued a statement calling the day "an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family," adding: "While nothing will ease the pain of losing him we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable."

However, the guilty plea has created significant complications for Mangione's separate state prosecution. He currently faces eight felony charges in New York state court, including second degree murder, possession of a forged instrument for an alleged fake driver's licence, and six counts of criminal possession of a weapon. His state trial is scheduled to begin on 8 September.

Mangione's lawyers immediately filed paperwork to dismiss the state case, arguing that prosecuting him again would violate New York's double jeopardy protections. His attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo stated on the courthouse steps: "New York law does not permit a person to be prosecuted and punished twice for the exact same crime." A legal expert quoted in court documents noted: "If a federal prosecution has been completed on a matter the state cannot prosecute the matter on those same facts."

Yet the Manhattan District Attorney's office signalled it intends to proceed. A statement said: "We are encouraged that Mr Thompson's family received a measure of accountability today. While federal sentencing is pending we are prepared to litigate the defence motions. The Manhattan DA's Office remains committed to seeking justice for Mr Thompson and his family." The outcome of the double jeopardy argument will likely determine whether Mangione faces trial on the state charges or whether his guilty plea in federal court forecloses that prosecution.