Accused killer Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty Friday to federal murder and stalking charges in connection to the sidewalk killing last year of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

The 26-year-old Mangione made the plea in a federal court in Manhattan, according to NBC News.

 Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier this month directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Mangione if he is found guilty.

Mangione faces the charges in connection with Thompson's Dec. 4, 2024, death. He also faces state-level charges of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism in connection with the death.