Luigi Mangione Won’t Face Death Penalty In Federal Case, Judge Rules

NEW YORK CITY — Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson back in December 2024, a federal judge ruled on Friday.

Federal prosecutors had been seeking the death penalty in the case after Attorney General Pam Bondi directed them to do so in April 2025.

"I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again," she said at the time.

In addition, Judge Margaret Garnett ruled to allow certain evidence into the trial, including items found in Mangione's backpack at the time of his arrest, according to CNN.

Defense attorneys had argued that certain evidence should be excluded due to how they were obtained by law enforcement.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to a slew of state and federal charges, including murder. In September 2025, a judge dropped two state terrorism charges against him.

The 27-year-old also faces charges in Pennsylvania for possessing an illegal gun and giving a fake ID to the police.

This is a developing story. This post will be updated.