Luigi Mangione is prepared to plead guilty in the federal case involving the killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was shot dead in New York in December 2024. The development occurred during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Manhattan, when the defense for the 28-year-old Italian-American informed the judges of his intent to accept responsibility. “He is ready to plead guilty to the charges at this time,” the attorneys said, according to U.S. media reports. When the judge asked whether that was his decision, Mangione answered, “Yes”.

What Luigi Mangione faces

The defendant, who initially pleaded not guilty, now faces a federal stalking charge that can carry life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Two other counts, including one that could have exposed him to the death penalty, were dismissed earlier this year. The agreement with federal prosecutors ends the prospect of a federal trial, for which jury selection had been scheduled in January. It also raises fresh questions about the state proceedings set for September, where the 28-year-old faces, among other charges, an indictment for second-degree murder.