'I shot Mr Thompson'- What it was like inside court as Mangione pleaded guilty
Mangione said after years of back pain and navigating health insurance, he went to Manhattan to shoot Brian Thompson.
**"I Shot Mr. Thompson": Inside the Courtroom as Mangione Pleaded Guilty**
After more than 18 months of intense public scrutiny and legal maneuvers, Luigi Mangione appeared in a New York federal courtroom on Friday amidst speculation of a potential guilty plea.
The 28-year-old, accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December 2024, entered the courtroom in a beige prison uniform with a white T-shirt underneath. His feet were shackled, and he held his hands behind his back, though he was not handcuffed by US marshals.
The packed courtroom was filled with members of the press, Mangione's supporters, observers, and a select group of court staff who had won a lottery to attend. In the front row, seated behind the prosecution, were members of Thompson's family, who at times displayed visible emotion.
As the room awaited Judge Margaret Garnett's arrival, Mangione conferred with his lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, reviewing documents in anticipation of whether he would, for the first time, admit to the killing.
The hearing, scheduled for 11:00, began slightly late with an immediate and impactful declaration. Friedman Agnifilo informed the judge: "Mr. Mangione is prepared to plead guilty at this time."
A hush fell over the courtroom as the judge proceeded to question Mangione, ensuring he fully comprehended the gravity of his decision. She inquired about his background and medication use, to which he responded tersely but firmly. When asked if he understood the possibility of facing life in prison, he replied, "yes."
Mangione's composure seemed to waver only when he began to read a statement to the court. His speech was rushed and somewhat mumbled. After Judge Garnett politely suggested he speak closer to the microphone, he continued steadily until he reached his conclusion: an admission that he had killed Thompson.
Contrary to earlier reports in US media suggesting a plea deal, Mangione simply changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.
He stated that after "years of enduring severe pains from a broken back" and dealing with the healthcare insurance industry, he learned that UnitedHealthcare would hold an annual conference in Manhattan in December 2024. Mangione told the court he researched online and emailed the company, posing as an investor to gather more information about the event. He noted that, "Unlike previous interactions with insurance," he received a quick reply.
He further informed the court that he used a 3D printer to create a gun.
On the morning of December 4, 2024, Mangione confessed: "I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan and he died." This marked the first time a court had heard Mangione recount the details of a crime that had generated a media storm and global attention.
"Mr. Mangione, how do you now plead?" Judge Garnett asked the defendant.
Mangione leaned into the microphone and stated: "Guilty."
"I will accept your guilty plea," the judge affirmed.
Thompson's family members were visibly emotional as Mangione made his admission. In a statement released shortly after, they described the day as a significant step toward justice.
Mangione's sentencing is scheduled for December 18. The maximum sentence for each of the two stalking charges is life in prison. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 24-30 years, but Judge Garnett will ultimately determine the final sentence.
His trial on separate state charges related to the murder is still slated to commence in September.