Luigi Mangione appears in federal court, pleads guilty to shooting CEO Brian Thompson.

Luigi Mangione, the 28-year-old accused of shooting dead UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in December 2024, appeared in a federal courtroom in New York on Friday.

A Packed Courtroom

The courtroom was packed with press, supporters of Mangione, observers, and court staff members who had won a lottery to attend. In the front row seated behind the prosecution were Thompson's family members, who appeared visibly emotional throughout the hearing.

Mangione arrived at the courthouse wearing a beige prison uniform with a white T-shirt underneath, his feet shackled but not handcuffed by US marshals.

As the room awaited the arrival of Judge Margaret Garnett, Mangione conferred with his lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo, reviewing papers before the hearing began. Friedman Agnifilo told the judge that Mangione was prepared to plead guilty at this time.

The judge then asked Mangione a series of questions to ensure he understood the decision he was about to make. She inquired about his background and use of medications, to which he replied 'yes' when asked if he understood he could face life in prison.

However, it wasn't until the judge began reading a statement to the court that Mangione's demeanor changed. His speech became rushed and somewhat mumbled, suggesting he was struggling to come to terms with his actions.