Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mangione, pictured here in May, appeared in court in New York on FridayByGrace Eliza Goodwin and Kayla EpsteinReporting fromManhattan federal courtLuigi Mangione has admitted to killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, pleading pleaded guilty to federal charges of interstate stalking resulting in death. " I shot Mr Thompson in Manhattan and he died," the 28-year-old admitted in federal court in Manhattan on Friday.

Thompson, a 50-year-old father of two, was shot from behind on 4 December 2024 as he walked into a hotel in midtown Manhattan. Following the plea hearing, his family issued a statement calling it "an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family".

Mangione faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. He also faces state charges, although his lawyers are seeking to get those dismissed following his guilty plea.

Figure caption, " I shot Mr Thompson" - Inside the court as Mangione pleaded guiltyMangione had initially pleaded not guilty in both the federal and state cases against him over the fatal shooting of Thompson. His lawyers announced that he intended to plead guilty to the two federal charges against him at Friday's federal court hearing.

Wearing a beige prison outfit, Mangione appeared solemn and serious throughout the hearing. Reading a statement aloud to the court, he admitted to planning the attack ahead of time, crossing state lines with the intent to kill and using a gun he printed using a 3D printer and equipped with a silencer and magazine.

Mangione stated that he had learned UnitedHealthcare would be holding an annual investor conference in Manhattan in December 2024. He then travelled to New York for the event, he told the court.

Image source, ReutersHe also said he emailed UnitedHealthcare prior to the conference "posing as an investor" and asking questions about the event. " I emailed UnitedHealthcare with the intent to shoot Brian Thompson," Mangione said in his statement.

" On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024 I shot Mr.

Thompson in Manhattan in his back." The sentencing for the federal charges is scheduled for 18 December.

Thompson's family said in a statement that they will continue to seek justice in both New York state and Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested. " While nothing will ease the pain of losing him, we are grateful that the federal justice system has held the person responsible for this heinous act accountable," they said."