A New York state judge has dismissed state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, but has kept the second-degree murder charge related to the December killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
On Tuesday, Judge Gregory Carro ruled that state terrorism charges — including murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism — against Mangione were not supported by sufficient evidence, NBC reported.
However, as reported by The New York Times the judge decided that there was enough evidence to proceed with the second-degree murder charge.
Mangione, 27, is accused of killing Thompson in a highly publicized shooting on the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
The Murder of Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot by a masked gunman on December 4, 2024, just hours before he was set to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference. The assailant fled the scene on a bike, riding it into Central Park. The shooting prompted an intense manhunt.
Several days later, a McDonald’s employee in Altoona, Pennsylvania, reported seeing a man who matched the shooter’s description. Authorities later confirmed that the individual was Mangione. After his arrest, he was flown to New York under tight security, with heavily armed police and a media entourage waiting for his arrival.
Legal Developments
In the months following Mangione’s arrest, federal prosecutors sought the death penalty for the accused. In June, they released writings allegedly linked to Mangione, including a diary entry that contained disturbing content regarding Thompson’s death.
One diary entry reportedly read: “It’s targeted, precise, and doesn’t risk innocents. Most importantly, the point is self-evident. The point is made in the news headline ‘Insurance CEO killed at annual investors conference.’”
Mangione’s defense team has contested the evidence obtained at the time of his arrest, arguing that certain items were seized without a warrant. The defense has requested that this evidence be suppressed in court.
The Impact of Thompson's Death
Thompson’s murder sparked widespread outrage and national conversations about healthcare costs in the United States. His tragic death fueled debates surrounding corporate responsibility in healthcare and led to broader discussions about violence targeting prominent figures, with comparisons drawn to high-profile political attacks, such as those on President Donald Trump and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Prosecutors have claimed Mangione encouraged others to commit similar acts of violence.
Protests and Public Support for Mangione
Mangione’s legal defense has generated significant public attention, with some protesters showing support for him. On Tuesday, a group of supporters gathered outside the courthouse, including dozens of women, some of whom had camped out overnight. One individual was seen wearing a t-shirt reading “Free Luigi”. The legal defense fund for Mangione has now surpassed $1.2 million.
Federal and State Charges
Although Mangione’s state terrorism charges were dismissed, he still faces federal charges and other state charges in Pennsylvania. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
This case is still developing, and further updates are expected as the legal proceedings continue.