Luigi Mangione Protests Tentative June Trial Date in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing

Defense lawyers argue the date would leave them unprepared, but judge insists they "be ready" for the state trial.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, spoke out in court as a judge tentatively scheduled his state murder trial to begin on June 8. Defense lawyers argued the date would leave them unprepared, but the judge insisted they "be ready" despite the overlap with Mangione's upcoming federal trial.

Why it matters

The case has drawn intense scrutiny, with prosecutors from both the state and federal government seeking to try Mangione. The judge's decision to prioritize the state trial first over the federal one has raised concerns about double jeopardy and the fairness of the proceedings for the defendant.

The details

At a hearing on Friday, Judge Gregory Carro said he believes the state case should go to trial first, despite defense lawyers' objections. Prosecutor Joel Seidemann argued the state has done the bulk of the investigation and the victim's family requested the state case go first. Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo said the June 8 date would be "unfair" and leave them unprepared, but Carro insisted they "be ready" on that date.

  • Judge Carro tentatively scheduled the state trial to begin on June 8, 2026.
  • U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett previously announced Mangione's federal trial will begin with jury selection on Sept. 8 and opening statements on Oct. 13, 2026.

The players

Luigi Mangione

The defendant accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in December 2024.

Judge Gregory Carro

The judge presiding over the state murder case against Mangione.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo

Mangione's defense attorney who argued the June 8 trial date would leave them unprepared.

Joel Seidemann

The prosecutor who argued the state should be able to try the case first since they have done the bulk of the investigation.

Brian Thompson

The UnitedHealthcare CEO who was killed in December 2024, allegedly by Mangione.

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What they’re saying

“You have done a great job, so be ready on June 8. That's it.”

— Judge Gregory Carro

“One plus one is two. Double jeopardy, by any common-sense definition.”

— Luigi Mangione

“The defense will not be ready on June 8. Mr. Mangione is being put in an untenable situation that is a tug of war between two different prosecution officers.”

— Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Defense Attorney

“It is absolutely unfair that Mr. Seidemann wants two bites of the apple. New York state has a double jeopardy law for a reason.”

— Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Defense Attorney

“Counsel is seeking to jeopardize us out of the federal case. We have every reason to be the prosecuting authority.”

— Joel Seidemann, Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge said he could push the trial date to Sept. 8 if the Department of Justice decides to appeal a ruling in Mangione's federal case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal maneuvering between state and federal prosecutors, as well as the challenges of balancing a defendant's right to a fair trial with the interests of the victim's family and the competing jurisdictions involved.