US attorney general seeks death penalty for Mangione.

The US attorney general Pamela Bondi has directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth, in New York last year.

- ARIANA BAIO

“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,” Ms Bondi said in a statement yesterday.

Mr Mangione faces four federal charges related to the shooting. One of those charges, murder through use of a firearm, carries the possibility of the death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Ms Bondi justified the decision, alleging that Mr Mangione “stalked and murdered” Thompson and committed the crime as an “act of political violence”. She said because the killing took place in the middle of New York City in daylight the alleged shooter “may have posted grave risk of death to additional persons”.