Luigi Mangione has pleaded not guilty to federal murder charges in the high-profile case involving the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The latest developments unfolded on Friday in a packed Manhattan federal courtroom, where Mangione, 26, calmly responded “not guilty” when asked how he wished to plead to the four-count indictment.
The major news from the hearing is that federal prosecutors have now formally declared their intent to seek the death penalty if Mangione is convicted. This is a significant move, as it’s the first time the Justice Department has pursued capital punishment since President Trump returned to office, and it sets the stage for a lengthy and complex legal process.
Inside the courtroom, Mangione appeared in a mustard-coloured jail uniform, sitting between his lawyers and responding quietly to the judge’s questions. The hearing drew a crowd of supporters and observers, some of whom have rallied around Mangione as a symbol of anger towards the healthcare system. The atmosphere was tense but orderly, with Judge Margaret Garnett reminding both sides that any public comments from officials could threaten Mangione’s right to a fair trial.
Mangione’s defence team, led by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has already flagged they will challenge the government’s push for the death penalty. The judge has given them until June 27 to file their arguments against capital punishment being used in this case. The defence also raised concerns about a recent breach of attorney-client privilege, after state prosecutors accidentally listened in on a private call between Mangione and his lead attorney. Judge Garnett responded by ordering federal prosecutors to ensure Mangione has secure and confidential access to his legal team going forward.
The next step for Mangione is another federal court appearance scheduled for December 5, which falls just after the one-year anniversary of Thompson’s death. At that hearing, the court is expected to discuss the timeline for the trial, which is not likely to begin before 2026 due to the complexity of death penalty proceedings and the vast amount of evidence involved.
For now, Mangione remains in federal custody in Brooklyn, and both sides are preparing for what is expected to be a long and closely watched legal battle. The outcome of the upcoming motions and hearings will determine how the case proceeds and whether the death penalty will ultimately remain on the table.
Lead image: Getty Images
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