Texas Pastor Robert Jeffress recently lauded U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi for directing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione. In a post on social media, Jeffress referred to capital punishment as “biblical.”
Jeffress, a faithful supporter of President Donald Trump, is the pastor of First Baptist Dallas, a large and influential congregation affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
Mangione made national headlines in December when he was identified as the alleged shooter of health insurance executive Brian Thompson.
Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead on Dec. 4 in New York shortly before an investor meeting.
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In the months that have followed Mangione’s arrest, some have praised him as a folk hero who took a stand against the greed and corruption of the health insurance industry. Others have been quick to remind their fellow Americans that Mangione is accused of first-degree murder and domestic terrorism.
Earlier this week, U.S. Attorney General Bondi revealed in a statement that she has directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty.
“Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson—an innocent man and father of two young children—was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America,” Bondi said. “After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again.”
Jeffress appeared on Fox News to discuss the case and was asked to give his thoughts on Bondi’s decision to seek the death penalty.
“Well, she’s doing the right thing,” Jeffress said. “And here’s why. You know, when Noah and his family emerged from the ark after the flood and restarted civilization, the very first command God gave them was this: ‘Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed as well.’”
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“In other words, God was saying [that] human life is so precious, so important, that anyone who dares take that human life ought to pay the ultimate price,” Jeffress continued.
WATCH: my interview on @foxandfriends discussing how Capital Punishment is Biblical. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/yMe9QxOxWa
— Dr. Robert Jeffress (@robertjeffress) April 3, 2025
