Mangione admits killing healthcare CEO and pleads guilty to federal charges

Luigi Mangione, 28, pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to two counts of interstate stalking that resulted in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. During the hearing, Mangione told the judge, “I changeable Mr Thompson successful Manhattan and helium died,” confirming he shot the 50‑year‑old father of two from behind on 4 December 2024 as Thompson entered a midtown Manhattan building. Thompson’s family released a statement describing the plea as “an important measurement toward justice for Brian and for our family.” They added, “While thing will ease the symptom of losing him, we are grateful that the national justice system has held the individual liable for this heinous act accountable,” and said they “now look to the tribunal to guarantee that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime.” Mangione faces a possible life sentence on the federal charges; state charges remain pending, though his attorneys are seeking their dismissal after the guilty plea. He had originally pleaded not guilty in both jurisdictions. At the Friday proceeding, Mangione’s counsel announced his intention to plead guilty to the two federal counts. Dressed in a beige suit, he appeared solemn and read a prepared statement in which he acknowledged planning the attack over time, crossing state lines with the intent to kill, and using a weapon he fabricated on a 3‑D printer, later fitted with a silencer and magazine. He explained to the court that his motive stemmed from personal experience with the healthcare system, saying he acted “after years of enduring terrible pains from a breached back.” Mangione said he discovered that UnitedHealthcare would hold its yearly capitalist league in Manhattan in December 2024, traveled to New York for the event, and beforehand emailed the company “posing arsenic an investor” to inquire about the meeting. In his own words, Mangione stated, “I emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to sprout Brian Thompson,” and continued, “On the greeting of Dec. 4, 2024 I changeable Mr. Thompson successful Manhattan in his back.” Sentencing on the federal charges is set for 18 December. Thompson’s relatives said they will continue to pursue justice in New York state and Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested.