Jury selection for Luigi Mangione’s federal murder trial will begin on September 8, a judge announced on Friday. The trial centers on the December 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Judge Margaret Garnett confirmed the trial date during an evidence-related hearing in a packed Manhattan federal courtroom. Mangione, who has pleaded not guilty, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, days after the shooting. The trial’s next major milestone hinges on whether Garnett allows the death penalty as a possible sentence.
If the death penalty is excluded, openings will begin on October 13. If the case proceeds as a capital trial, openings are expected on January 11, 2027.
Deeper Dive & Context
Supporters and Public Reaction
Mangione has attracted a cult following, with supporters wearing green—a nod to the Nintendo character sharing his first name. During his court appearance, attendees craned their necks for a better look, and one woman wore a pink flower crown and furry coat.
Legal and Political Considerations
Donald Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi, is pushing for the death penalty, while Mangione’s legal team seeks to remove it as a possible sentence. The judge is reviewing a defense request to exclude the death penalty.
Arrest and Evidence
Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. During Friday’s hearing, Deputy Police Chief Nathan Snyder testified about search procedures during the arrest. The judge cited the “seriousness of the charges” in deciding to hear this testimony.
Broader Implications
The shooting sparked public anger at for-profit healthcare practices, adding layers of complexity to the case. The trial is expected to be one of the most closely watched in recent U.S. history.