Why is Luigi Mangione Charged Federally and not by NY State?

The arrest of Luigi Mangione for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has triggered a jurisdictional question between state and federal prosecutors.

Although the murder occurred in New York (state jurisdiction), Mangione was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, carrying a "Ghost Gun" and a manifesto. This allowed federal prosecutors to intervene immediately with holding charges while state murder investigations progressed.

Federal prosecutors leveraged the interstate transport of a ghost gun to establish jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. § 922, permitting detention without bail during state charge preparation.

What are the Federal Ghost Gun Charges?

Murder typically falls under state jurisdiction. Federal involvement emerged through firearm-specific statutes.

Prosecutors invoked 18 U.S.C. § 922, the federal firearms statute, to detain Mangione without bail. The Criminal Complaint filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania specifies two federal offenses:

1. Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number

Federal law prohibits possessing firearms with removed, obliterated, or altered serial numbers. Mangione faces charges for possessing a firearm unregistered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record—specifically a 3D-printed pistol. This strict liability offense carries up to 5 years imprisonment.

2. Possession of an Unregistered Silencer/Suppressor

The recovered firearm allegedly included a suppressor. Under the National Firearms Act (NFA), silencers require registration. Unregistered possession constitutes a strict liability felony with up to 10 years imprisonment.

This approach permits federal agents to maintain custody in Pennsylvania while New York detectives compile DNA and ballistic evidence for state murder charges.

The "Manifesto" as Evidence

The docket indicates Mangione possessed a handwritten document criticizing the healthcare industry. Legally, this document serves critical functions:

Premeditation (required for First Degree Murder charges)
Motive (establishing target selection rationale)

In federal court, this document potentially supports charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A (Interstate Stalking)—a federal crime involving crossing state lines with intent to kill or injure.

What Happens Next?

This case will likely proceed on two tracks:

1. Federal Track (Pennsylvania)

Mangione will face gun charges first, ensuring detention without bail during investigation continuation.

2. State Track (New York)

The Manhattan District Attorney will probably file an extradition request for First or Second Degree Murder charges.

Federal prosecutors typically "stand down" to permit state prosecution first, as murder charges carry heavier sentences, potentially life without parole.

Read the Primary Source

Direct access to actual Criminal Complaint and Affidavit of Probable Cause is available on AskLexi—no subscription required.