A judge in New York has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
During a hearing on Tuesday morning, Judge Gregory Carro ruled that a second-degree murder charge against Mangione could stand. The judge concluded that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to support the terrorism-related murder charges.
Mangione is alleged to have shot Thompson on a busy Manhattan street in December of last year.
In his written ruling, Carro explained that the allegations did not meet the legal definition of terrorism under New York state law. Although prosecutors pointed to writings left by Mangione indicating a possible terrorism motive, the judge found that they did not demonstrate an intention to exert political pressure or instill fear in the public—key elements of the state's terrorism statute enacted post-9/11.
There was no evidence presented that the defendant made any demands of government or sought any particular governmental policy change, let alone that he did so by intimidation or coercion, Carro stated.
Following the dismissal of the terrorism charges, the now remaining second-degree murder charge could carry a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison if convicted. Alongside this, Mangione faces charges related to weapons and forgery.
In a more serious light, Mangione also awaits federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty if proven guilty.
Carro denied the defense's request to postpone the trial until the federal proceedings concluded, deciding that trial hearings would begin on December 1. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Thompson, a father of two, served as the chief executive of UnitedHealth Group's insurance division, the largest health insurance provider in the U.S. He was shot three times on December 4, 2022, at approximately 6:45 a.m. while in New York City for a meeting.
After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was apprehended some 300 miles away, at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where police recovered a note criticizing corporations profiting from the U.S. healthcare system, accusing them of corruption and greed.
Outside the Manhattan Supreme Court, a small group of supporters for Mangione gathered, holding signs that read Free Luigi and Innocent until proven guilty.
