02 February 2026 :
January 30, 2026 - USA. Luigi Mangione won’t face most serious federal charges, judge rules
The death penalty has been taken off the table for Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, after the most serious federal charges were dismissed by a judge on Jan. 30.
Mangione was charged with 4 counts federally in the Dec. 4, 2024, shooting outside a Manhattan hotel: 2 counts of stalking, a weapons offense and murder through the use of a firearm.
In a Jan. 30 court order, U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett granted a motion to dismiss 2 of the charges, including murder through the use of the firearm, and another weapons charge, taking the death penalty off the table in the case. Mangione, 27, will still go to trial on the stalking charges, which allege he caused Thompson’s death, and include a maximum punishment of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Mangione is expected to appear in court later on Jan. 30, where a representative for his legal team said remarks on the new order will be given.
In separate state charges, Mangione pleaded not guilty to murder, weapons and forgery counts in New York. He faces nine felony counts, including second-degree murder, which carries a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison, in the state. In September, a judge dismissed the state's terrorism-related charges against Mangione. A trial date for the New York charges has not been set.
He also faces weapons and related charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald's after a lengthy manhunt, and has pleaded not guilty.
Mangione is accused of gunning down Thompson from behind early in the morning on Dec. 4, 2024, using a 3-D printed "ghost gun." Prosecutors have said his writings demonstrated a "hostility" for the health insurance industry. The violence drew sharp condemnations from political leaders but also sparked a groundswell of support for Mangione. Supporters have gathered outside his court appearances and donated to a fund for his legal bills.
