NEW YORK – Luigi Mangione appeared in federal court Wednesday, where a judge agreed to delay the start of his trial in a closely watched murder case.
What we know:
U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett pushed back jury selection to Oct. 5, with opening statements now expected to begin Oct. 26 or Nov. 2.
The decision follows a request from Mangione’s defense team to postpone the trial, which had previously been scheduled to begin Sept. 8.
What is Luigi Mangione charged with?
Mangione faces two federal stalking charges and, if convicted, could be sentenced to life in prison. Earlier this year, a judge dismissed two charges in the case, meaning Mangione no longer faces the death penalty.
Wednesday’s proceeding is expected to focus on the defense’s request to delay the federal trial, which is currently scheduled to begin Sept. 8. Mangione’s attorneys are seeking to push that date to Jan. 2027.
RELATED: Luigi Mangione claims ‘double jeopardy’ as judge sets earlier state trial date
What happens if the judge grants the request?
Luigi Mangione (R) confers with his attorney, Jacob Kaplan, as he appears in Manhattan Supreme Court during an evidence suppression hearing in the murder case of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, in New York, on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Curti
If the judge grants the request, the defense is also expected to seek a delay in the state trial, which is currently set to begin June 8. Attorneys have indicated they would aim to move that trial to September to avoid overlapping proceedings.
What we don’t know:
It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s conference will involve formal oral arguments or serve as a more informal scheduling discussion between the parties. It is also not known whether Garnett will issue a ruling from the bench or reserve her decision for a later date.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The case, spanning both state and federal courts, has drawn widespread attention as it moves toward trial.
The Source: This article is based on information from court documents and previous FOX 5 NY reporting.
