US Justice Department Pursues Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that the Justice Department will seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione, who has been accused of killing a corporate executive.

If convicted of capital murder, Bondi stated that she would instruct Matthew Podolsky, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, to formally pursue the death penalty in Mangione’s case.

Mangione faces both state and federal charges for allegedly shooting Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in Midtown Manhattan last December. He has pleaded not guilty to the state charges. Though Mangione has been named in a federal criminal complaint, he has not yet been indicted on those charges.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who represents Mangione, confirmed that she has spoken with the Justice Department regarding the matter.

“Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again,” Bondi stated.

“As alleged, Luigi Mangione stalked and murdered UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson on Dec. 4, 2024. The murder was an act of political violence. Mangione’s actions involved substantial planning and premeditation, and because the murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, may have posed grave risk of death to additional persons. Following federal murder charges handed down on Dec. 19, 2024, Attorney General Bondi has now directed Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky to seek the death penalty in this case,” the DOJ confirmed in a press release.

Attorney General Pam Bondi Tackles Other High-Profile Cases

Bondi has had a busy week, as the Department of Justice is also handling another case involving a Tesla dealership bombing, for which a 20-year prison sentence is being pursued.

Authorities have charged Cooper Frederick with firebombing a Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado, on March 7. Following an investigation by the FBI, Frederick was arrested in Plano, Texas, according to a report from the Washington Examiner.

“I’ve made it clear: If you take part in the wave of domestic terrorism against Tesla properties, we will find you, arrest you, and put you behind bars,” Bondi asserted. “Today, I am proud to announce that the Department of Justice has unsealed federal charges against another Tesla attacker. All of these cases are a serious threat to public safety; therefore, there will be no negotiating.”

“Let this be a warning: You can run, but you cannot hide. Justice is coming,” Bondi added.

Earlier this month, Bondi declared that individuals responsible for vandalizing Tesla vehicles would face domestic terrorism charges. On March 20, the DOJ formally charged the first three suspects under this classification.

“The swarm of violent attacks on Tesla property is nothing short of domestic terrorism. The Department of Justice has already charged several perpetrators with that in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five-year mandatory minimum sentences,” Bondi’s statement from March 18 read.

“We will continue investigations that impose severe consequences on those involved in these attacks, including those operating behind the scenes to coordinate and fund these crimes,” she continued.

Tesla properties—including vehicles, charging stations, and dealerships—have been targeted in recent weeks, with incidents ranging from graffiti vandalism to arson. The wave of attacks appears to be linked to left-wing activists angered by Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s role in the Trump administration.

Republican leaders have condemned these incidents as acts of domestic terrorism, pushing for prosecution accordingly. In response, the FBI has launched a task force to investigate the vandalism targeting Tesla.

Tesla’s stock has seen a significant decline over the past year, dropping 40%. Once peaking at over $428 per share before Trump’s inauguration in January, Tesla’s stock is now at $259 as of Monday.

Musk, a central figure in the Trump administration’s effort to downsize federal agencies through the Department of Government Efficiency, has faced ongoing protests at Tesla showrooms.

Over the weekend, the FBI issued a public warning regarding potential threats against Tesla dealerships or related properties. The agency urged people to report any suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized surveillance of Tesla locations or online threats directed at the company.

In a post on X, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson confirmed that the newly established task force would work alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to investigate anti-Tesla incidents. “This is domestic terrorism. Those responsible will bepursued, caught, and brought to justice,” FBI Director Kash Patel stated.