U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in what officials are describing as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination.”
Mangione allegedly tracked and shot Thompson in New York on December 4, 2024, using a pistol equipped with a silencer, according to federal prosecutors. Thompson, a father of two, was reportedly attacked from behind while walking alone. Mangione had arrived in the city from Atlanta roughly 10 days prior and was later apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a tip from McDonald's staff ended a multi-state manhunt.
“This was not just murder — it was an act of political violence that may have posed a grave risk to additional lives,” Bondi said in a statement. “After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case.”
The killing of Thompson, a high-profile figure in the U.S. healthcare industry, sparked outrage and debate across the country. Some social media users expressed controversial support for Mangione, framing the attack as a protest against the nation's costly private healthcare system — a sentiment condemned by officials as dangerous and inflammatory.
Mangione is facing charges in both federal court and New York state court. He has pleaded not guilty to state charges, where a conviction could result in life imprisonment without parole. His defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, criticized the federal government’s pursuit of capital punishment.
“This is a political move that goes against the law, historical precedent, and even the advice of local federal prosecutors,” Agnifilo said. “It reflects a troubling shift from dysfunction to barbarism within the Justice Department.”
The dual prosecution — at both the state and federal level — has raised questions about legal precedent and procedure. Agnifilo described the situation as “highly unusual” and is seeking clarity on how the overlapping charges will be handled.
Federal prosecutors allege Mangione’s actions were not only deliberate but posed a broader threat, hinting at ideological motives behind the attack. However, Mangione’s legal team has not confirmed any political or personal motivations.
As the case proceeds, it is expected to draw national attention, both for its high-profile victim and for the contentious legal and political issues surrounding the death penalty and healthcare policy in the United States.
