The family of slain UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is speaking out after Luigi Mangione entered a guilty plea in federal court.On Friday, Aug. 14, Mangione pleaded guilty to one count of interstate stalking resulting in death and one count of stalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, according to CNN and The New York Times.

Thompson’s family was present, per the reports, in the New York City federal courtroom when Mangione entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett. The family appeared to be emotional as the plea hearing proceeded, CNN reported, fighting back tears and holding hands.

Brian Thompson.
Following the hearing Friday, the Thompson family released a statement.

“Today’s guilty plea marks an important step toward justice for Brian and for our family,” the family said. “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.”

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Paulette Thompson, wife of Brian Thompson, leaves Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse after a Luigi Mangione court hearing on August 14, 2026 in New York City.Michael M. Santiago/Getty
“Now we look to the court to ensure that sentencing reflects the severity of this crime,” the statement continued. “We remain mindful that additional proceedings in New York and Pennsylvania are still to come, and we will continue to seek the justice Brian deserves.”

Mangione is charged with murder in New York court in connection with Thompson’s killing, and jury selection is scheduled for Sept. 8.

However, the federal guilty plea could potentially disrupt proceedings in the state case.

Following Friday’s hearing, Mangione’s attorneys told reporters they had already filed a motion in state court, arguing he is protected by double jeopardy.

Seth J. Zuckerman, a New York criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor, tells PEOPLE he would not be surprised if the double jeopardy motion at the very least delays the trial.

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“Even on the quickest schedule, I see a very hard time for that schedule to be kept,” he says. “I presume whoever loses the double jeopardy motion is going to go to the Appellate Division for an emergency appeal.”

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said in a statement they intend to still prosecute Mangione in state court.

“Since December 2024, the Manhattan D.A.’s Office has been tirelessly preparing to pursue a trial conviction in New York State Supreme Court for the alleged cold-blooded murder of Brian Thompson,” the statement reads. “We are encouraged that Mr. Thompson’s family received a measure of accountability today. While federal sentencing is pending, we are prepared to litigate the defense motions.”

Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania, where he also faces charges, after a multi-day manhunt.

Thompson was fatally shot outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan in December 2024.