UPDATE: Lawyers for Luigi Mangione have urgently filed a motion in federal court to block the death penalty as an option in his case, which has drawn nationwide attention following the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The motion comes amid escalating public concern surrounding the implications of political violence and the power of health insurers in the United States.
In a court document submitted to a federal judge in New York, Mangione’s legal team argues that the US Department of Justice should be precluded from seeking the death penalty due to violations of his due process rights. They specifically cite a “dehumanising, unconstitutional ‘perp walk'” staged by officials, where Mangione was televised, videotaped, and photographed while shackled after his arrest.
The motion states, “Because of the blatant, intentional and damaging nature of this torrent of prejudice from multiple public officials… the death penalty indictment against Mr. Mangione must be dismissed.” The prosecution argues that Mangione’s actions led to Thompson’s death on December 4, 2024, outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel during an investment conference.
Public opinion has been sharply divided; while many condemned the murder, others expressed sympathy for Mangione, highlighting frustrations with rising healthcare costs. The urgency surrounding this case has intensified following the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, raising alarms about political violence in the U.S.
Prosecutors from the Manhattan US Attorney’s office have until October 31, 2025, to respond regarding the death penalty. If Mangione is convicted of murder, the same jury would be tasked with deciding his fate concerning execution. In the meantime, Mangione faces charges of interstate stalking and murder, under the oversight of US District Judge Margaret Garnett.
On April 1, 2025, US Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized Thompson’s murder as “a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Mangione’s defense team has termed this portrayal as “unapologetically political,” arguing that the prosecution failed to adhere to standard protocols by not conducting a thorough investigation prior to seeking the death penalty.
Mangione’s next appearance in federal court is scheduled for December 5, 2025, where a trial date may potentially be set for 2026. In parallel, he faces nine state-level criminal charges, including murder. Notably, on Tuesday, a New York state judge dismissed two terrorism charges against him. It’s important to note that while New York’s death penalty was declared unconstitutional in 2004, this ruling does not apply to federal cases.
As this high-profile case unfolds, the implications for Mangione are severe. If convicted on state charges, he could face life imprisonment. A hearing regarding these charges is set for December 1, 2025, but no trial date has been established yet.
The mounting legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding this case are poised to continue making headlines as developments emerge. Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves.
