HOUSTON, United States
The suspect accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel last December pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan federal court Friday, according to multiple news outlets.
Luigi Mangione, 26, entered his plea to Judge Margaret Garnett.
He was indicted last week by a federal grand jury on two counts of stalking, one count of murder with a firearm, and a firearms offense for an allegation that he used a silencer on the gun when he shot and killed Thompson outside where the UnitedHealthcare executive was staying for a conference.
Mangione led police on a five-day manhunt until he was arrested at an Altoona, Pennsylvania, McDonald's restaurant about 300 miles (482.8 kilometers) west of New York City.
Prosecutors filed a notice Thursday seeking the death penalty for Mangione, weeks after US Attorney General Pam Bondi directed them to do so. If convicted, Mangione could be sentenced to death.
"Mangione presents a future danger because he expressed intent to target an entire industry, and rally political and social opposition to that industry, by engaging in an act of lethal violence," wrote prosecutors in a filing. "And he took steps to evade law enforcement, flee New York City immediately after the murder, and cross state lines while armed with a privately manufactured firearm and silencer."
The next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5, at which time a trial date is expected to be set.
Mangione is also facing state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, including one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, two counts of second-degree murder and several weapons charges. He has already pleaded not guilty to the murder and terrorism charges in New York.
Mangione's attorneys have asked for his federal case to go to trial first since it carries the possibility of the death penalty.