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AG Pam Bondi Seeks Death Penalty For UnitedHealthcare Exec's Murder

Benzinga·04/01/2025 19:11:40
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Attorney General Pam Bondi announced today that federal prosecutors will seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering a UnitedHealthcare Group Inc (NYSE:UNH) executive in what authorities call a politically motivated assassination.

What To Know: Bondi described the Dec. 4, 2024, killing of Brian Thompson as a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination" and reaffirmed her commitment to restoring the federal death penalty.

"Mangione's actions shocked America," Bondi stated, emphasizing that the move aligns with President Trump's agenda to combat violent crime.

Mangione, who grew up in a wealthy Baltimore real estate family, allegedly targeted Thompson as part of a broader statement against the healthcare industry. Authorities found a manifesto detailing his grievances, along with a 3D-printed gun and silencer at the time of his arrest.

Federal charges against Mangione were filed on Dec. 19. Bondi has now instructed Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky to pursue the death penalty.

The case has meanwhile sparked public debate, with some supporters criticizing the healthcare sector and donating over $514,000 to Mangione's legal defense fund.

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What Else: The US Attorney General’s office on Feb. 5 announced the revival of the federal death penalty, immediately lifting the moratorium on federal executions.

According to the memo, federal prosecutors are now directed to actively seek the death penalty in cases involving offenses such as the murder of law enforcement officers and capital crimes committed by undocumented individuals.  

This policy shift also includes a review of past decisions where the death penalty was not pursued, indicating a firm stance on capital punishment. The federal government will also assist states in implementing death sentences.

As Mangione's trial continues, Bondi's strong support for capital punishment will likely remain a key focus, highlighting the administration's tough-on-crime policies.

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