NEW YORK — Accused assassin Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty in federal court Friday morning, after days of speculation that he might admit guilt in the case in order to raise a potential double jeopardy claim weeks before his state-level murder trial.
Prosecutors have alleged that Mangione, 28, is the hooded man who snuck up behind UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024, and shot him in the back outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan.
Mangione's defense team could attempt to raise a new double jeopardy claim with his guilty established in the federal case, but it remains unclear if he would prevail.
Judge Margaret Garnett asked Mangione if he understood the maximum sentence he could receive is life in prison. He answered, "Yes."
He told the judge he called UnitedHealthcare posing as an investor to get information about the conference.
Given the opportunity to address the court, Mangione opted to stay seated.
"After years of enduring severe pain from a broken back…I learned UnitedHealthcare would hold an investor’s conference," he began.
The judge told him to speak louder. Mangione explained that while the specific location of the investor conference wasn't immediately made public, he researched it online. That's when he called the company directly.
He said he traveled to the Big Apple with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson.
"On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in, Manhattan," Mangione told the court.
"I knew what I was doing."
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Federal prosecutors summarized some of the evidence they would have introduced at trial — including security camera video they say shows Mangione arriving in New York on a bus, following Thompson around the Hilton on the morning of the murder, and video of the shooting itself.
The video shows a hooded gunman approach Thompson from behind and shoot him in the back. As he falls and turns around, he's shot again. Then the suspect is seen fleeing on a bicycle.
Investigators recovered Mangione's DNA and fingerprints at or near the crime scene. Police found the suspected murder weapon in his backpack when he was arrested. They also have cellphone evidence and an eyewitness of the shooting.
Garnett scheduled a sentencing hearing for Dec. 18.
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"Brian Thompson's life was cut short by an act of violence that devastated everyone who knew and loved him," a spokesperson for UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "We are grateful to law enforcement for bringing Brian's murderer to justice, and our thoughts remain with Brian's family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Thompson's family also issued a statement through a spokesperson:
"Today's guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family," it reads. "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. Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime. We remain mindful that additional proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are still to come, and we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves."
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In addition to the top charges of second-degree murder and stalking resulting in death, Mangione faces a slew of lesser charges, including a number of firearms offenses and carrying a forged ID in both New York and Pennsylvania.
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