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Luigi Mangione has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The indictment comes after Thompson was shot and killed outside a New York City hotel last year. Mangione, a 26-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate, is accused of stalking and ambushing Thompson as he entered the Hilton Hotel for a shareholder conference.
Mangione faces charges in both state and federal courts. In New York state court, he is charged with murder and terrorism-related offenses, while in federal court, he is charged with murder, stalking, and firearms offenses. He has pleaded not guilty in the state case and awaits arraignment in the federal case.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the potential use of the death penalty. Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that federal prosecutors have been directed to seek the death penalty, citing the premeditated nature of the crime and its impact on the nation.
Mangione's lawyers have filed motions to block the death penalty, claiming that the directive is politically motivated and influenced by Thompson's status as a prominent CEO. They argue that the government's actions have already prejudiced the jury pool. Despite these objections, federal prosecutors maintain that it is too early to discuss the death penalty, as Mangione has not yet been arraigned or formally notified of any capital punishment intent.