Mangione pleads guilty in federal case, says he shot UnitedHealthcare CEO in the back
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7:31 Luigi Mangione, accused of the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appears for a pre-trial hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, on August 11, 2026. David Dee Delgado/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Luigi Mangione admitted to shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as he pleaded guilty Friday to two federal stalking counts . Meanwhile, his attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the state charges under New York's double jeopardy law.
Mangione outlined his crime in federal court Friday, saying, "After years of enduring severe pain from a broken back ... I learned UnitedHealth would be holding an investor conference in New York City."
"I then researched the event online. I observed the annual conference of America's largest healthcare organization with the stated mission to make the healthcare system better for everyone," he said.
Undated photo of UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson. Business Wire/AP Mangione said he learned the exact location of UnitedHealthcare's conference by emailing the company, posing as an investor with more than $50 million in capital.
"I traveled to New York and emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to kill Brian Thompson ... I shot Mr. Thompson in the back," he said, adding, "I knew what I was doing was illegal."
Stickers are seen outside a federal court where Luigi Mangione is set to attend a pretrial conference in New York City, August 14, 2026. Sarah Yenesel/EPA/Shutterstock Mangione pleaded guilty to both stalking counts and U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett accepted the plea. His sentencing is set for Dec. 18.
As Mangione spoke, members of Thompson's family, including his wife and mother, sat in the front row of the courtroom, marking the first time they appeared in court. Thompson's wife often leaned forward to watch Mangione respond to the judge's questions, and when prosecutors outlined their evidence of the crime, she wiped away tears.
Paulette Thompson, wife of late UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, walks outside Manhattan Criminal Court following a hearing in the federal murder trial of Luigi Mangione, who is charged in the killing of Brian Thompson, in New York City, August 14, 2026. David Dee Delgado/Reuters Before Mangione admitted his guilt, Garnett asked Mangione if he understood that he'd give up his right to a trial if he pleaded guilty, and Mangione responded yes.
Garnett told Mangione a guilty plea would expose him to a possible life sentence.
"Do you understand that?" the judge asked, and Mangione replied, "yes."
Luigi Mangione attends a pre-trial appearance at Manhattan Criminal Court, in New York City, August 11, 2026. David Dee Delgado/Pool via AP There is no plea agreement between Mangione and the federal government, the judge confirmed. Mangione affirmed he was promised nothing and was not threatened or coerced.
Prosecutors in court outlined what would have been evidence at trial, including footage of the shooting and Mangione fleeing the scene.
Thompson's family said in a statement that the guilty plea "marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family."
"While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable," the family said. With more proceedings to come, the Thompsons added, "we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves."
Paulette "Pauley" Thompson exits Manhattan federal court after Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on to federal stalking charges in the killing of her husband, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Aug. 14, 2026 in New York. Ryan Murphy/AP Photo Related Luigi Mangione federal guilty plea expected to be announced Friday, sources say: What to know ahead of court The guilty plea could complicate Mangione's murder prosecution in state court, where trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8 . His federal trial had been set for Jan. 5 .
Mangione's defense attorneys filed a motion in state court on Friday to dismiss the state charges under New York's double jeopardy law.
"New York law does not permit a person to be prosecuted and punished twice for the exact same crime under a statute that governs successive prosecutions," defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo told reporters after Friday's hearing.
Mangione has "accepted full responsibility for the death of Brian Thompson," she said, adding, "he's being prosecuted twice for the same conduct."
Defense attorneys for Luigi Mangione, Marc Agnifilo and Karen Friedman Agnifilo exit Manhattan federal court after Mangione pleaded guilty on to federal stalking charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Aug. 14, 2026 in New York City. Ryan Murphy/AP Photo Related Luigi Mangione jury to be anonymous due to risk of harassment, intimidation, judge rules Mangione "endured years of severe, debilitating pain following a broken back, while struggling to navigate our healthcare and health insurance systems," she said. "Like the thousands of people who have reached out since this tragedy to share their own experiences, he believed that the system had failed him and destroyed his life."
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office said earlier it was prepared to move forward with the state case, arguing stalking and murder address different harms.
The DA's office said in a statement Friday, "While federal sentencing is pending, we are prepared to litigate the defense motions." The DA's office said it "remains committed to seeking justice for Mr. Thompson and his family."
People arrive at federal court ahead of Luigi Mangione's expected guilty plea in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in New York City, August 14, 2026. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images Several of Mangione's supporters appeared emotional during Friday's hearing, with one woman wiping away tears after he entered his plea. Others sat with their mouths agape, appearing shocked.
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