Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty in CEO Murder Case

New York – Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last year, pleaded not guilty to all federal charges during his arraignment in a Manhattan federal court on Friday.

Mangione faces four federal charges, including murder using a firearm, two counts of stalking, and a firearms-related offense. The case has drawn national attention, especially after the U.S. Department of Justice announced it would seek the death penalty — a rare move in federal court.

Mangione’s legal team indicated they want the federal case to proceed before state-level prosecutions in New York and Pennsylvania, where separate charges are pending. Attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued for the federal trial to take precedence, citing the DOJ’s intent to pursue capital punishment.

The DOJ’s decision follows a formal request by Attorney General Pam Bondi for the death penalty to be considered. If convicted at the state level in New York, Mangione would face a maximum sentence of life in prison. However, the federal charges carry the possibility of execution if found guilty.

Judge Margaret Garnett presided over Friday’s proceedings and scheduled the next federal hearing for December 5, when a trial date will be finalized. She noted that the trial is likely to begin in 2026.

The indictment stems from the December 4, 2024, killing of Thompson, who was en route to speak at a UnitedHealthcare investor conference in Manhattan. Mangione was arrested shortly afterward in Pennsylvania and has been held in custody since.

Outside the courthouse, Mangione’s case sparked a wave of protest and visible public support. Dozens gathered in green clothing — referencing Nintendo’s “Luigi” character — and held placards reading “Luigi before fascist” and “Stop the violence: end the death penalty now.” Supporters claim Mangione’s actions were rooted in deep frustrations with the U.S. for-profit healthcare system, though no official motive has been confirmed.

As legal battles intensify on multiple fronts, the high-profile case continues to stir national debate — not just about justice, but also about healthcare, mental health, and the federal use of the death penalty.