Federal Grand Jury Indicts UnitedHealthcare CEO Killer Luigi Mangione

A federal grand jury in New York indicted Luigi Mangione, 26, on Thursday on four counts, including stalking, firearms offenses, and murder through the use of a firearm—a charge that makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors allege Mangione stalked and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan Hilton on December 4, 2024. Thompson was en route to an investor conference when he was killed. Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and initially charged via federal complaint.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has signaled her intent to pursue the death penalty, citing the Trump administration’s broader push to combat violent crime. Mangione’s defense team is contesting the move, calling it politically motivated.

Defense Challenges Death Penalty Bid as "Political Stunt"

In a motion filed last week, defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued Bondi’s public statements—made before the indictment—tainted the grand jury process. She requested the court bar the death penalty and compel prosecutors to disclose documents related to Bondi’s directive.

"The stakes could not be higher. The United States government intends to kill Mr. Mangione as a political stunt," the defense wrote.

Mangione also faces state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, where he was apprehended with a "ghost gun" and a notebook allegedly detailing the crime. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Terrorism Allegations and Pending State Case

A Manhattan grand jury previously indicted Mangione on 11 state counts, including first-degree murder under New York’s anti-terrorism statute, which requires proof of intent to intimidate the public or government. If convicted, he faces life without parole.

Federal prosecutors unsealed initial charges last year, but Thursday’s indictment formalizes the case. Mangione remains in federal custody in Brooklyn, though his state trial is expected to proceed first. His legal team, now including death penalty specialist Avraham Moskowitz, has vowed to fight all charges.

A spokesperson for Mangione declined to comment Thursday.