Judge Dismisses Terror Charges Against Luigi Mangione, Murder Count Stands

Lead: A New York judge on Tuesday dismissed two terrorism-related murder charges against Luigi Mangione while allowing a second-degree murder count to proceed, marking a pivotal shift in the high-profile case that began with the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in Manhattan.

Nut Graf: The ruling by Justice Gregory Carro underscores the court’s narrowing of state allegations against Mangione, focusing on traditional homicide rather than terrorism. The decision alleviates potential life-without-parole consequences tied to anti-terrorism statutes and refocuses attention on the core homicide prosecution.

Court Ruling and Remaining Charges

Justice Carro ruled that prosecutors had not shown Mangione intended “to intimidate or coerce a civilian population,” a requisite for terrorism charges under New York law. As a result:

  • Terrorism-related Counts Tossed: Two counts - first-degree murder as an act of terrorism and second-degree murder as an act of terrorism - were dismissed.
  • Second-Degree Murder Upheld: The charge requiring proof that Mangione intentionally killed Brian Thompson remains in place.
  • Additional Weapons and Forgery Counts: Seven counts of criminal weapon possession and one count of possessing a forged instrument will proceed.

Background of the Case

On December 4, 2024, Mangione allegedly shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, on a Midtown Manhattan street using a 9 mm handgun with a silencer. A nationwide manhunt ended five days later with Mangione’s arrest at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Supporter Reaction and Case Impact

Mangione has attracted an online following critical of the U.S. health insurance industry, with supporters often donning green attire in homage to the Nintendo character Luigi. Dozens cheered outside the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse when the terrorism charges were dropped, signaling the case’s resonance with broader public frustration over healthcare costs.

Federal Proceedings and Next Steps

Mangione also faces parallel federal murder charges that include an eligibility for the death penalty. His defense has argued that dual prosecutions across state and federal jurisdictions constitute double jeopardy, a point Carro deemed premature.

  • Next State Hearing: Scheduled for December 1, 2025.
  • Federal Trial: Dates yet to be set; the Justice Department is pursuing capital punishment under federal statutes.

The decision illustrates the stringent evidentiary standard for terrorism charges in New York, distinguishing ideological motivation from criminal intent. It sets a precedent for how courts interpret anti-terror statutes in domestic homicide cases, potentially influencing future prosecutions of ideologically driven violence.