Manhattan federal court has established critical timelines for the impending trial of Luigi Mangione, the individual charged with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. During Friday’s proceedings, Judge Margaret Garnett announced that jury selection will commence on September 8th, though the actual trial start date hinges on a monumental decision regarding capital punishment.
The judicial process faces a bifurcated timeline based on whether federal prosecutors secure death penalty authorization. US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s pursuit of maximum punishment could push trial proceedings to January 2027 if approved. Should the court deny capital prosecution, opening statements will begin considerably sooner on October 13th.
Friday’s 90-minute hearing centered on contentious evidence admissibility challenges from defense attorneys. Legal representatives for Mangione contend that critical evidence—including a firearm and notebook—was unlawfully obtained during warrantless searches of his backpack following arrest at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s location. Prosecutors maintain Altoona Police Department conducted constitutionally compliant procedures during the search operation.
Mangione, 27, maintains not guilty pleas against both federal murder charges and separate New York state accusations including second-degree murder and weapons violations. Notably, terrorism charges initially filed against the defendant have been formally dismissed. The state-level proceedings await trial date scheduling while federal courts advance with evidence resolution and trial preparation.