Luigi Mangione, 28, appeared Tuesday morning, August 11, 2026, at Manhattan state court for a pre-trial conference in the case accusing him of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The trial is scheduled to begin on September 8, 2026.

Prosecutors allege that Mangione shot Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. Mangione was arrested several days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and maintains his innocence. He also faces a separate federal trial on stalking charges related to Thompson’s killing.

Judge Gregory Carro’s courtroom was nearly full, with about two dozen apparent supporters of Mangione in attendance. The case has drawn international attention due to Thompson’s death reigniting debate over the US for-profit healthcare system and Mangione’s rise to folk-hero status among some supporters via social media.

Concerns that the trial could become a spectacle prompted Judge Carro to announce the addition of an overflow room to accommodate public and press interest, a change from the original media access plan. Prosecutors stated they had no role in determining media access or the creation of the overflow room.

Mangione was escorted into court at 9:46 a.m., wearing a slate-colored suit and white shirt.

Sources

Guardian US by Victoria Bekiempis in New York