Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal murder charges over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson — a high-profile case that has sharply divided American public opinion and thrust issues of political violence and healthcare grievances into the national spotlight.
Appearing in a Manhattan courtroom wearing beige prison scrubs, Mangione entered his plea to charges of murder, two counts of stalking, and a firearms violation. It marked the first case in which the U.S. Justice Department under President Donald Trump’s second term is seeking the death penalty.
Mangione, 42, is facing parallel proceedings in both New York state and federal courts. He had earlier pleaded not guilty to state charges, where he could face life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
The case centers on the December 4, 2024, killing of Thompson, allegedly committed by Mangione, who prosecutors say stalked the executive in New York City, then shot him multiple times with a silencer-equipped pistol. After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip from McDonald’s staff.
Outside court, the controversy surrounding the case was palpable. Supporters rallied with signs accusing the Justice Department of “barbaric” actions, and one woman, dressed as Luigi from the Super Mario video games, underscored the deep emotions the case has stirred. Activist Lindsay Floyd criticized what she called the “vilification” of Mangione before trial.
Mangione’s defense team, led by Karen Agnifilo — wife of celebrity attorney Marc Agnifilo, who also made a quick appearance from another high-profile case — is arguing that the federal case should be prioritized given the potential death penalty.
Observers say the case has struck a raw nerve in America. Elliott Gorn, a historian at Loyola University Chicago, noted how the killing triggered a sudden flood of public anger and horror stories about the U.S. healthcare system, even after a political season where such issues were rarely addressed.
The next hearing is set for December 5, 2025 — exactly one year and one day after Thompson’s death — when the judge is expected to set a trial date.