Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on Friday to federal charges of stalking in connection with the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

In a federal courtroom in Manhattan, Mangione answered a series of questions from District Judge Margaret M. Garnett related to his understanding of the charges against him before pleading guilty to two counts of stalking resulting in death. Thompson’s family sat in the front row of the gallery.

Federal prosecutors have indicated that they believe Mangione should face at least 24 to 36 years in prison. In the absence of a plea agreement between prosecutors and the defense, Mangione’s lawyers may argue for a different sentence. The maximum possible sentence is life in prison.

The judge set his sentencing hearing for Dec. 18.

At the judge’s request, Mangione, 28, described his criminal actions. He said he suffered from back pain for years, and learned that UnitedHealthcare planned to hold an investor conference in Manhattan attended by executives and that doctors, nurses and patients would not be there. He said he emailed leadership posing as an investor and obtained the event’s address. He said he used a 3D printer to print part of a gun.

Thompson’s widow was visibly emotional as Mangione recounted his actions.

“I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan, and he died,” Mangione said. “And I knew what I was doing was illegal.”

Thompson’s family said in a statement after the hearing that Mangione’s guilty plea “marks an important step toward justice.”

“Now we look to the court to ensure the sentencing reflects the severity of this crime,” the family said.

With his federal plea in place, Mangione’s lawyers said they have filed a motion to dismiss his New York state case, where he faces charges including second-degree murder, on double-jeopardy grounds. New York has an extensive double-jeopardy law, which precludes a person from being tried twice for the same alleged conduct.

“Despite this being a single isolated event, Mr. Mangione has been unfairly treated since the outset in every way,” his lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, told reporters outside the courthouse. “He’s been treated differently from every other defendant charged with this offense in New York.”

Mangione’s New York trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8, more than three months before his federal sentencing hearing. If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said in a statement that it is “prepared to litigate the defense motions” pending Mangione’s federal sentencing.

Alexander Trowbridge contributed reporting.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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