Luigi Mangione could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, according to a statement from Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Speaking on Tuesday, Bondi emphasized that her office would push for the highest punishment, describing Thompson’s death as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination” that occurred in December.
“After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we continue our efforts to stop violent crime,” Bondi said, citing the broader agenda to “Make America Safe Again.”
Mangione’s Arrest and Where He Is Now
Currently, Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Interestingly, he is housed in the same unit as high-profile individuals like Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Sam Bankman-Fried.
He is being charged in federal court, where prosecutors are able to pursue the death penalty, as New York has outlawed capital punishment.
Mangione is accused of shooting and killing Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024.
A Violent Act of Political Nature?
Mangione’s arrest was met with an unusual outpouring of support from certain circles, particularly fans who were angry at the healthcare system.
Bondi stated that she believes Thompson’s murder was an act of political violence, noting that the crime involved substantial planning and premeditation.
“The murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, which posed a grave risk to additional lives,” Bondi added.
A Troubling Arrest and Concerns Over the McDonald’s Employee
Court records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal more details surrounding Mangione’s arrest on December 9, 2024, at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania.
Eight days after Thompson’s assassination, Mangione was arrested during a nationwide manhunt.
He was reportedly concerned for the McDonald’s worker who had called 911 on him.
“They aren’t going to put the cashier’s information out there, are they?” Mangione asked, expressing worry that the worker could face backlash for alerting authorities.
Right after his arrest, Mangione is said to have apologized for “the inconvenience of the day,” according to court documents.
The first words out of his mouth, according to officials, were an apology for any trouble caused to the McDonald’s employee.
This has raised some questions about Mangione’s state of mind and his behavior during his arrest.
Legal Defense and Claims of Unfounded Threats
Mangione’s defense team, led by attorney Karen Agnifilo, has pushed back against accusations that he is responsible for any of the harassment, backlash, or death threats directed at people, including the McDonald’s worker.
In a letter to Judge Gregory Carro, they clarified that there is no evidence to suggest Mangione’s involvement in any of these threats. “Mr. Mangione has been nothing but cooperative, peaceful, and concerned for others,” his legal team stated, claiming that their client’s actions are the opposite of someone seeking to terrorize or harm others.
Charges and Pre-trial Drama
Mangione faces several charges in New York, including the murder of Brian Thompson.
In addition, he is dealing with lesser charges related to false identification and weapons possession in Pennsylvania.
His upcoming trial in New York has already attracted a lot of attention, with many supporters showing up at his pre-trial hearings.
The Controversial Manifesto and Defense’s Response
Ahead of his trial, Mangione’s lawyer has contested the release of writings that were described as a “manifesto.”
These writings were purportedly written by Mangione and were shared by police shortly after his arrest.
The documents seemed to paint a picture of a man who had intended to kill an insurance CEO, a plot outlined in a notebook found with him, along with a 9-millimeter pistol, silencer, and clothing matching what the shooter wore in surveillance footage.
However, Agnifilo has firmly denied that the manifesto was authored by Mangione, claiming there is “absolutely no evidence” to support that assertion.
She also criticized prosecutors for sharing the writings, calling it a tactic to spread fear and justify the terrorism charge.