UPDATE: Lawyers for Luigi Mangione are urgently calling on a federal judge in New York to block prosecutors from pursuing the death penalty against him. Charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Mangione’s legal team argues that his due process rights have been violated in a shocking court filing made earlier today.
In their motion, Mangione’s attorneys assert that the U.S. Justice Department should be prohibited from seeking capital punishment due to what they describe as a “dehumanizing, unconstitutional ‘perp walk’.” This event, they claim, involved Mangione being televised and photographed while shackled upon his arrival via helicopter for his initial court appearance.
The motion details, “Because of the blatant, intentional and damaging nature of this torrent of prejudice from multiple public officials, mainly the U.S. Attorney General, from the inception of this case through the grand jury vote on April 17, 2025, the death penalty indictment against Mr. Mangione must be dismissed.”
Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to the shooting death of Thompson, who was killed on December 4, 2025, outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The incident occurred while company executives gathered for an investment conference. Public sentiment towards Mangione has been mixed; while many condemn the killing, some express frustration over rising healthcare costs and the power of insurers to deny treatment.
The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom. Concerns surrounding escalating political violence have intensified since Thompson’s murder, particularly following last week’s assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office have until October 31 to argue for retaining the death penalty as a sentencing option should Mangione be convicted. He faces charges of interstate stalking and murder, with his case overseen by U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett.
On April 1, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized Thompson’s death as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Mangione’s legal team has denounced this declaration as “unapologetically political,” arguing that prosecutors failed to follow standard protocols by not conducting a thorough investigation before moving forward.
Mangione’s next federal court appearance is scheduled for December 5, 2025, where a trial date for 2026 may be established. Should Judge Garnett permit the death penalty and a jury subsequently convicts Mangione, that same jury will consider the option of execution.
In addition to federal charges, Mangione is also facing nine state-level criminal counts, including murder. On November 1, New York state judge Gregory Carro dismissed two terrorism charges against him. Although New York’s death penalty was declared unconstitutional in 2004, this ban does not apply to federal cases, leaving the door open for severe penalties.
If convicted in his state case, Mangione could face life in prison. The next hearing at the state level is scheduled for December 1, 2025, with no trial date yet established.
As developments continue to unfold, the stakes remain high for Mangione, his legal team, and the broader implications for the judicial system in cases involving high-profile individuals. This case is set to capture national attention as it progresses, with many watching closely for the next moves from federal prosecutors and the defense team. Stay tuned for further updates.
