Luigi Mangione, 26, could face the death penalty after being charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Federal prosecutors brought four charges against Mangione, including murder, which carries a potential death sentence or life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
The charges, filed by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, also include a federal count of using a firearm to commit murder, which carries the same severe penalties.
Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will pursue the death penalty, a decision that requires approval from the US Attorney General.
Mangione’s case, which has moved from state to federal court, has raised significant legal questions.
His attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, expressed concerns about the unusual nature of the case, particularly regarding the potential for “double jeopardy” since the state had already filed charges against Mangione.
After his court appearance, Agnifilo remarked that the federal government’s decision to pursue additional charges was “highly unusual” and promised to vigorously defend her client in court.
Mangione had been facing first-degree murder and state terror charges in Pennsylvania before being extradited to New York, where he now faces an 11-count indictment related to the killing of Thompson.
Mangione was arrested five days after Thompson, 50, was shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan on December 4.
He was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and initially indicated he would fight his extradition to New York.
However, after being hit with the 11-count indictment from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, he waived his right to an extradition hearing.
On Thursday, Mangione was transported to New York under tight security. Wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and maroon shirt, he appeared calm as he landed by helicopter in Lower Manhattan.
Protesters gathered outside the courthouse to support Mangione, with some carrying signs that criticised health insurance practices and others depicting Mangione in a Super Mario Bros-themed costume.
Mangione’s defense team has yet to comment on whether they will seek to have the death penalty removed from consideration.
However, Agnifilo stated earlier that “serious constitutional and statutory” concerns would be raised if the case proceeds with federal charges.
In the federal court proceedings, Mangione faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is classified as an act of terrorism. Additional charges include criminal possession of weapons and a forged instrument.
The public response to Mangione’s case has been divided, with some supporters praising him for his writings criticising health insurance companies that deny patient claims, which they believe motivated the killing.
A fundraiser for Mangione’s legal defence has already raised over $155,000, with a goal of $500,000.
Mangione’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse, where Magistrate Judge Katharine Parker will preside over the proceedings.
The case has garnered significant attention, and the outcome could set a precedent for how federal authorities handle high-profile murder cases with potential political motives.
