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Luigi Mangione Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing
Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including murder, stalking, and firearms offenses, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Luigi Mangione photo from (@Getty Images)
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleaded not guilty to all federal charges against him. Mangione entered the pleas in Manhattan federal court for charges including murder, stalking, and firearms offenses. The Justice Department has said it will seek the death penalty for the murder charge.
The court appearance comes about a week after a federal grand jury indicted Mangione on the four federal charges in the December 4 killing of Thompson, who was on his way to a UnitedHealthcare investors' conference in New York. Mangione's supporters have expressed deep frustration and anger at the American for-profit healthcare system.
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Mangione's top federal charge could land him a death sentence or life in prison. He also faces state charges in New York and Pennsylvania related to the shooting and ensuing manhunt. In New York, he has pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges. In Pennsylvania, he faces firearm and forgery charges.
The charges stem from the December 4 shooting of Thompson in Midtown Manhattan that set off a five-day manhunt. Mangione was arrested in connection with the killing in Pennsylvania, more than 270 miles away from the shooting. Authorities say he possessed a fake ID, the gun used in the shooting, and a handwritten “claim of responsibility.”
Mangione's supporters see the American health insurance industry as broken and overly expensive. A legal defense fund in support of Mangione has raised over $900,000. Some mainstream politicians have lambasted Mangione's alleged actions as horrific crimes, while others have expressed understanding of the frustrations with the healthcare system.
The case has drawn public attention due to the sharply polarizing views on Mangione's actions. His court hearings have drawn dozens of supporters, who have worn "Free Luigi" scarves and sweaters, and chanted slogans supporting him and criticizing the American healthcare industry.
