Federal prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty against 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4th. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi made this announcement on Tuesday, emphasizing the severity of the crime as a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America."
In a press release, Bondi revealed that the decision to pursue the death penalty aligns with efforts to "carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again." According to prosecutors, Mangione had kept a spiral notebook containing numerous entries that expressed hostility towards the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. Despite being the largest health insurer in the U.S., UnitedHealthcare stated that Mangione was never a client of their services.
Among the disturbing writings found in Mangione's notebook, one entry from August 2024 indicated that “the target is insurance” because “it checks every box.” Another entry from October indicated his intent to “wack” an insurance company CEO, highlighting the premeditated nature of the crime.
Mangione is currently facing both state and federal charges related to Thompson’s murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the state charges, while he has yet to enter a plea for the federal charges. The maximum penalty for the state charges is life in prison, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against him.
Investigators also recovered writings and words inscribed on bullets at the crime scene, reflecting Mangione's alleged animosity toward health insurers and corporate America. This incident has sparked renewed debates regarding the United States' healthcare system, with many patients and doctors struggling to navigate a complex financial landscape to access necessary care.
The assassination of Brian Thompson has incited a flurry of controversy on social media, where opinions are sharply divided. Some have expressed support for Mangione, citing frustrations with the current healthcare system and private insurers that report billions in profits yearly. Conversely, many elected officials have condemned what they perceive as an endorsement of violence and vigilantism.
As Mangione prepares for his legal battle, he and his attorneys have announced plans to utilize approximately $775,000 raised on the GiveSendGo platform to support his defense. This fundraising campaign was organized by a group called the December 4th Legal Committee, which aims to assist Mangione in the face of serious charges.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the profound implications of this case on the broader discussions around healthcare in America.
