Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to plead not guilty to newly filed federal charges during his court appearance Friday in Lower Manhattan.

Just hours ahead of Mangione’s scheduled arraignment, federal prosecutors filed a formal notice of intent to seek the death penalty if he is convicted—marking a significant escalation in one of the nation’s most high-profile corporate homicide cases.

Mangione is facing a four-count federal indictment, including a charge of murder through the use of a firearm—an offense eligible for capital punishment. Prosecutors allege that Mangione targeted Thompson to incite widespread opposition to the healthcare industry, describing the December 4, 2024 killing as an ideologically driven act of violence.

According to the notice filed Thursday, Mangione intended to “provoke broad-based resistance to the victim’s industry” by choosing a high-profile executive and a public setting to carry out the killing. Prosecutors argue that the act was calculated to maximize impact and visibility.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has previously indicated that the Trump administration is committed to reinstating the death penalty in federal cases, and Mangione’s prosecution appears to be a key test of that policy.

In their filing, prosecutors cited the devastating effect of Thompson’s death on his family, colleagues, and the wider community, stating that Mangione’s intent to send a political message through lethal violence warranted the death penalty.

“The defendant’s selection of both site and victim was designed to amplify an ideological message and incite resistance to the healthcare sector,” the document states.

Defense attorneys condemned the decision, calling it “barbaric” and “a political stunt designed to exploit a tragedy for ideological gain.” Mangione has already pleaded not guilty to related state-level murder charges and faces a possible life sentence in that case.

Mangione’s federal arraignment is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, where he is expected to formally enter his plea.