New York Judge Drops Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione, Murder Trial Over UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Killing to Proceed in State Court

Published Time: 09-17-2025, 11:00

A New York judge has dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in the high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, ruling that the state’s terrorism statute did not apply. The decision leaves the 27-year-old facing a second-degree murder charge, while a separate federal death penalty case against him continues.

Terrorism Charges Dismissed, Murder Case Proceeds

Judge Gregory Carro of the Manhattan Supreme Court rejected prosecutors’ argument that Mangione’s actions were intended to instill widespread fear. In his written ruling, Carro explained that while Mangione clearly expressed hostility toward the health insurance industry, the evidence did not establish an attempt to intimidate the public or influence government policy — both requirements under New York’s terrorism law.

“While the defendant was clearly expressing an animus toward UnitedHealthcare, and the health care industry generally, it does not follow that his goal was to ‘intimidate and coerce a civilian population,’” Carro wrote in the decision.

With the dismissal, the most severe charges — which could have led to a life sentence without parole — were eliminated. However, the judge upheld the second-degree murder charge, which carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Federal Prosecution Still Pending

In addition to the state case, Mangione faces a federal prosecution where U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed prosecutors to pursue the death penalty. Federal prosecutors accuse Mangione of stalking Thompson prior to the December 2024 shooting but have not included terrorism-related counts.

Defense attorneys argued that the dual prosecutions created a double jeopardy issue. Judge Carro dismissed that claim as premature, noting that neither case has yet gone to trial. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office also disputed the defense’s position, emphasizing that the state and federal charges are based on different legal theories.

Courtroom Reactions and Support

During Tuesday’s hearing, Mangione appeared in court wearing beige jail clothing, shackled in handcuffs and ankle restraints. He remained largely silent, conferring quietly with his attorneys.

In the courtroom gallery, several dozen supporters attended the hearing, many wearing green clothing symbolizing the video game character Luigi. Outside the courthouse, a small rally erupted in cheers after word spread that the terrorism charges had been dismissed. One supporter wore a T-shirt reading “FREE LUIGI.”

Mangione’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, described the decision as a significant victory, telling reporters: “It’s a big win and it’s the first of many.”

Details of the Killing

Prosecutors allege that Mangione fatally shot Thompson on December 4, 2024, as the CEO arrived at a midtown Manhattan hotel for an annual investor conference. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a masked gunman approaching Thompson from behind before opening fire.

Authorities said ammunition recovered from the scene was marked with the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose,” phrases critics often use to describe how insurers handle claims.

Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, roughly 230 miles west of New York City. He has remained in custody since his arrest.

Diary Writings Used by Prosecutors

A key part of the state’s terrorism case rested on Mangione’s personal writings, which prosecutors described as a manifesto. The documents contained harsh criticism of the health insurance industry and praise for Theodore Kaczynski, the “Unabomber.”

In one entry, Mangione referred to the insurance sector as a “greed-fueled cartel” and wrote that targeting an executive would send a message. Prosecutors also pointed to a handwritten note addressed “To the feds,” in which Mangione admitted that “it had to be done.”

Manhattan prosecutors argued that these writings demonstrated a clear intent to inspire broader change through violence. However, Judge Carro disagreed, finding that the writings showed ideological anger but not the elements of terrorism defined under state law.

“Terrorism has been famously difficult to define,” Carro noted, adding that prosecutors had stretched isolated phrases beyond their intended meaning.

Next Steps in the Case

Judge Carro scheduled pretrial hearings for December 1, just days before Mangione is due back in federal court. The state case will now focus on the murder and related charges, with terrorism no longer part of the proceedings.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office said in a statement: “We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts.”

As the legal battles unfold, Mangione continues to draw both public criticism and grassroots support, reflecting the broader debate over corporate power, healthcare policy, and the boundaries of political violence.