The judge presiding over Luigi Mangione’s case ruled that the evidence supporting two of the most serious charges — including first-degree murder — was “legally insufficient.”
Judge Dismisses State Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione in CEO Shooting Case
State terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione — accused in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last December — were dismissed on Tuesday, including a first-degree murder count that could have carried a life sentence.
Justice Gregory Carro ruled that the evidence presented by prosecutors was “legally insufficient.” Mangione, 27, still faces second-degree murder charges, with no trial date yet set.
The decision deals a setback to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who argued that Mangione’s actions constituted terrorism. Bragg said Mangione targeted Thompson in Midtown Manhattan during the morning rush hour to create a “frightening, well-planned, targeted murder” intended to shock the public and spread his message.
Under New York law, terrorism charges require proof that the defendant aimed to intimidate a civilian population or influence government policy. Justice Carro determined prosecutors failed to establish either motive.
Bragg’s office responded in a statement through spokeswoman Danielle Filson: “We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree.”
Thompson’s killing was one of several high-profile acts of violence that have shaken U.S. public life in recent months. Former President Donald Trump survived two assassination attempts during his campaign, while Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in June.
The ruling also comes amid heightened national concern following last week’s fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as debates intensify over politically motivated violence fueled by online radicalization.
Mangione — who pleaded not guilty — quickly gained notoriety online, becoming a polarizing figure for some of his supporters, and prosecutors acknowledged that aspect when pursuing the terrorism charge.
Luigi Mangione Faces Multiple Trials After Dismissal of New York Terrorism Charges
Following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a multistate manhunt ended with the arrest of Luigi Mangione — a case that has gripped national attention and stirred outrage over America’s private health care system.
Mangione, 27, has since become a polarizing figure. His court appearances in Manhattan have drawn hundreds of supporters, with some filling courthouse hallways and others staging protests outside. From his cell in Brooklyn’s federal jail, he has received a flood of correspondence, while his defense team has launched a website to share case updates. A crowdfunding campaign for his legal expenses had raised roughly $1.5 million as of Tuesday.
Mangione is now facing prosecution in two states and three separate courts. In Manhattan, terrorism-related murder charges were dismissed this week, but he remains charged with second-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses. Federal prosecutors have also indicted him and are expected to seek the death penalty in one of those counts. In addition, he faces separate charges in Pennsylvania, where he was arrested.
Unlike some states, New York law defines first-degree murder as requiring not only premeditation but also an aggravating factor such as terrorism, torture, or the killing of a law enforcement officer or witness. Prosecutors had originally charged Mangione with first-degree murder under the terrorism statute, along with second-degree murder “in furtherance of terrorism.” Both of those counts were dismissed by Justice Gregory Carro, though a separate second-degree murder charge remains.
Had Mangione been convicted on the most serious state charges, he would have faced life in prison without the possibility of parole.