LOWER MANHATTAN (WABC) — Luigi Mangione will head back to a federal courtroom today, where his defense attorneys plan to convince the judge to postpone his trial.
Prosecutors allege that Mangione took the life of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024.
Thompson’s death sparked a conversation on health care and insurance across the country, and Mangione’s high-profile trial has been closely watched by many.
Mangione pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.
Mangione’s lawyers argued he could not properly prepare for his federal trial — which is set to begin with jury selection on Sept. 8 and opening statements on Oct. 13 — while he is on trial in the state case, which begins June 8.
The state trial would be ongoing while hundreds of potential jurors for the federal case begin filling out questionnaires on June 29.
“Mr. Mangione is now in the impossible position of having to review 800 jury questionnaires during the week of June 29, 2026, while on trial for second-degree murder in state court,” defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo wrote in a letter to the judge. “As a practical matter, this would not be possible.”
She also argued potential jurors would be “bombarded” by news accounts of the state trial.
“As a result, forcing Mr. Mangione to start the state trial on June 8, 2026 — three weeks before potential federal jurors start filling out juror questionnaires a few blocks away in Mr. Mangione’s federal case — guarantees that the fairness and impartiality of Mr. Mangione’s federal jurors will be negatively impacted by weeks of media reporting,” the defense said.
Prosecutors prefer to stick with the set start date.
The last time Mangione sat in a federal courtroom was when a judge dismissed the possibility of the death penalty if he’s convicted.
If Mangione is found guilty in either of his cases, he faces life behind bars. Today’s hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m.
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