NEW YORK, United States — Luigi Mangione admitted Friday to gunning down a top US health insurance boss in a Manhattan street as he pleaded guilty to stalking charges before a federal judge.

Mangione, 28, is alleged to have murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, in December 2024. He told a federal judge, “On the morning of December 4, I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died.”

He pleaded guilty to stalking his victim and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18. Prosecutors stated they would seek a life term.

Mangione faced stalking charges in the federal system and murder charges in the New York state system. His lawyers have requested the state charges be dropped to prevent him from being prosecuted twice for the same conduct.

“We just filed our motion in state court, explaining why the state charges must be dismissed under New York’s double jeopardy protections,” said Mangione’s lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo.

Both the stalking and murder charges could result in life sentences. A judge had previously dismissed two other federal charges that carried the death penalty earlier this year.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with some conservatives, including former US President Donald Trump, calling for a strong example to be made of Mangione.

US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, told reporters, “There can be no celebrity in assassination.”

Despite heavy security, supporters of Mangione gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse. Relatives of Thompson were present for the hearing.

In a statement after the hearing, Thompson's family expressed gratitude that the federal justice system was holding the perpetrator accountable. They noted that the murder trial was still pending and affirmed their commitment to seeking justice for Thompson.

Thompson's murder highlighted public frustration with the US commercial healthcare system, with some social media users portraying Mangione as a hero.

Mangione was apprehended on December 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip from McDonald's restaurant staff, after a multi-day manhunt.

US prosecutors indicated he had traveled to New York by bus from Atlanta approximately ten days before the incident. After checking into a Manhattan hostel using false identification, he allegedly conducted reconnaissance near the victim's hotel and the conference venue where the shooting occurred.

During his arrest, officers found a handgun, a silencer, and a jar of peanut butter. Mangione also admitted in court to using a 3-D printer to manufacture a gun, complete with a silencer and magazine.

A checklist found on Mangione included items such as “intel check in” and reminders to purchase a camera. Defendants in the United States can face prosecution at both state and federal levels for the same crime, though the charges may differ.