Luigi Mangione, the 28-year-old accused of gunning down a major health insurance executive on a New York City sidewalk in 2024, is scheduled to appear in federal court Monday for a pretrial hearing.
Mangione is charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. The case drew widespread attention and, while condemned by public officials, also became a symbol for many Americans frustrated with rising healthcare costs and the practices of the health insurance industry.
Monday’s court session before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett in Manhattan is expected to address jury selection procedures and scheduling matters ahead of Mangione’s federal trial, currently set for November.
The federal case has narrowed significantly since charges were first filed. Judge Garnett dismissed the murder and weapons charges in January, citing legal technicalities. That decision eliminated the possibility of a federal death penalty in this case. However, Mangione could still face a life sentence if convicted on the remaining stalking charges. Capital punishment is an option in federal murder cases but is not available under New York state law.
Mangione has entered a not guilty plea in the federal proceedings. He also faces a separate set of charges in New York state court, where Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has brought murder, weapons, and forgery charges against him. That state trial is scheduled to begin in September before Justice Gregory Carro in Manhattan, and Mangione has pleaded not guilty in that case as well.
Thompson was the head of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division. He was killed in the early morning hours outside a hotel where an investor conference was being held. Mangione was taken into custody in Pennsylvania following a five-day manhunt.
The case has attracted a vocal group of supporters who have rallied behind Mangione, raising money for his legal defense and showing up at court hearings to express solidarity, citing grievances against the health insurance industry.
