State Terrorism Charges Dropped
A New York judge on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, dismissed state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. New York Supreme Court Justice Gregory Carro ruled that prosecutors had not presented sufficient evidence to the grand jury to support the charges of murder in the first and second degrees under the state's terrorism statute.
Justice Carro's decision means Mangione will not face the possibility of a life sentence without parole under the state's terrorism laws. However, he still faces a trial on second-degree murder and eight other related counts.
Reasoning Behind the Dismissal
In his 12-page decision, Justice Carro stated that there was 'not sufficient proof that Mangione intended to terrorize a population.' He elaborated that while Mangione 'was clearly expressing an animus toward UHC, and the health care industry generally, it does not follow that his goal was to 'intimidate and coerce a civilian population,' and indeed, there was no evidence presented of such a goal.' The judge noted that New York state law does not classify an act as terrorism simply because it was motivated by ideology.
Prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney's office had argued that Mangione's 'intent was not to settle a personal vendetta or to steal something, but to violently broadcast a social and political message to the public at large,' aiming 'to bring about revolutionary change to the healthcare industry.' However, the court found this did not meet the legal definition of terrorism.
Remaining Charges and Federal Case
Despite the dismissal of the terrorism counts, Luigi Mangione continues to face significant legal challenges. He is charged with second-degree murder and eight other criminal counts in the state case, including multiple weapons-related charges and possessing a false identification. If convicted of second-degree murder, he could face a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
In addition to the state proceedings, Mangione is also subject to a parallel federal prosecution. Federal charges include using a firearm to commit murder, interstate stalking resulting in death, and discharging a firearm equipped with a silencer in furtherance of a crime of violence. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case, a decision that remains unaffected by the state court's ruling.
Background of Brian Thompson's Killing
Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan. Thompson was in New York City to attend an investor conference. Mangione, 27, was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a manhunt. Investigators noted that the cartridge cases used in the shooting had words like 'delay,' 'deny,' and 'depose' inscribed on them, referencing insurance claim practices. Mangione's lawyers had also argued against the concurrent state and federal prosecutions, citing double jeopardy, but Justice Carro rejected this argument, stating that state and federal governments are 'two sovereigns' with distinct laws.
The Manhattan District Attorney's office issued a statement affirming, 'We respect the Court's decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree.' Pretrial hearings for the state case are scheduled for December 1.
5 Comments
Fuerza
While the state terrorism charges were dropped, Mangione still faces severe federal charges including a potential death penalty, which shows the justice system is not overlooking the gravity of the murder. This demonstrates a nuanced legal approach where specific definitions are applied without minimizing the atrocity of the crime.
Manolo Noriega
The state definition was clear. It's not terrorism just because it's a heinous act.
Fuerza
Good. Terrorism is a specific charge, not a catch-all for anger. The judge followed the law.
Ongania
It's important that the legal definition of terrorism isn't stretched too thin, which the judge seems to have upheld here. However, the underlying motive against the healthcare industry is deeply troubling and still resonates with many who feel victimized by the system.
Fuerza
While the judge's ruling on the terrorism charge seems legally correct given the strict definition, it's hard for the public to reconcile that with such a politically motivated and violent act. The intent to send a message was clearly there, even if it didn't meet the 'terrorize a population' standard.