The case against Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, has taken a dramatic turn. A New York State judge has dismissed two terrorism charges against Mangione, citing “legally insufficient” evidence.
The decision comes as Mangione’s lawyers argued that the Manhattan district attorney’s office had expanded the state’s terrorism statute beyond its original intent and definition. Judge Gregory Carro agreed, stating that prosecutors failed to show Mangione’s actions were intended to intimidate a civilian population or influence government policy.
Mangione still faces federal charges, including an accusation for which prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty. He also faces second-degree murder charges in New York, for which he could face a sentence of 25 years to life.
The case has sparked controversy, with Mangione’s supporters claiming he was trying to draw attention to issues with America’s healthcare system. However, Judge Carro ruled that Mangione’s actions fell outside the bounds of what the law required.
Mangione’s arrest and subsequent court appearances have drawn widespread media attention, with some experts labeling him a symbol of “vigilante mentality.” His case has also been compared to other high-profile acts of violence in recent years.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/nyregion/luigi-mangione-state-terrrorism-charges-dismissed.html