Luigi Mangione, 26, has entered a not guilty plea to federal charges related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot outside a Manhattan hotel last year. Following his arrest in December, Mangione faces serious charges, including murder and stalking. The prosecution plans to seek the death penalty, arguing that the murder aimed to deliver an ideological message against the health insurance industry.
Appearing at a Lower Manhattan court, Mangione, dressed in a prison outfit and cuffed, stated his plea clearly. His legal team, labeling prosecution's call for the death penalty as "barbaric," raised concerns over the complexities of the case, including the need to review a staggering amount of evidence—amounting to "three terabytes"—which includes video footage and social media data.
The federal trial has been delayed, with the earliest possible date now set for 2026. Meanwhile, state charges in Pennsylvania and New York are also pending. Thompson was tragically killed in early December last year, but Mangione was apprehended five days later in Pennsylvania. Public reactions have been mixed, with some viewing Mangione as a folk hero, prompting significant donations for his legal defense. The case continues to highlight frustrations surrounding the privatized healthcare system, as words found at the crime scene indicate a connection to healthcare companies' practices.
