Luigi Mangione still faces second-degree murder charge after Brian Thompson’s death; supporters rally outside court
Judge Dismisses Terrorism Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A New York judge dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, but allowed second-degree murder charges to stand. The ruling narrows the state’s case, though Mangione still faces a potential life sentence alongside a separate federal death penalty prosecution.
Quick Look
- Who: Luigi Mangione, 27, Ivy League graduate
- What: Terrorism charges dropped, murder charge upheld
- Victim: Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare
- Why: Judge ruled ideology alone doesn’t equal terrorism under NY law
- Next: Pretrial hearings scheduled for Dec. 1
- Federal Case: Separate death penalty prosecution continues
Judge Dismisses Terrorism Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing
The Ruling
On Tuesday, Judge Gregory Carro dismissed terrorism counts against Mangione, saying that while the killing was politically motivated, New York law requires intent to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population.”
“While the defendant was clearly expressing animus toward UHC and the health care industry generally, it does not follow that his goal was to intimidate or coerce a civilian population,” Carro wrote.
Prosecutors said they would proceed on the remaining nine charges, including second-degree murder. That count carries a sentence of 15 years to life, with parole possible after 25 years.
Supporters Rally in Court
Mangione’s case has drawn a following of sympathizers angry with the health insurance industry.
- Dozens of supporters packed the courtroom gallery, some dressed in green clothing inspired by video-game character Luigi.
- One woman wore a “FREE LUIGI” T-shirt, while others clapped outside when news broke that terrorism charges had been dropped.
- Mangione, in beige prison attire and shackles, made his first state court appearance since February.
The Case Against Mangione
- The Shooting: On Dec. 4, 2024, Thompson was fatally shot outside an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown.
- Evidence: Police say ammunition was inscribed with the words “delay, deny, depose” — a phrase critics use to describe insurance claim denials.
- Arrest: Mangione was captured five days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
Federal prosecutors allege Mangione stalked Thompson for months. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed them to pursue the death penalty, calling it a “cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.”
Double Jeopardy Debate
Mangione’s lawyers argued that facing both state and federal charges amounts to double jeopardy.
- Judge Carro rejected that claim, saying it was “premature.”
- The Manhattan DA’s office argued state and federal cases pursue different legal theories.
Defense attorneys say handling both cases simultaneously creates a “legal quagmire” that hampers their ability to defend Mangione.
Prosecutors Cite Writings
- He praised Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber.
- He wrote about rebelling against the “greed-fueled health insurance cartel.”
- He confessed in a letter titled “To the feds,” saying the act “had to be done.”
Prosecutors argue this shows clear premeditation and intent to spark “revolutionary change” in the health care system.
What’s Next
- State Pretrial Hearing: Dec. 1 in Manhattan
- Federal Case: Mangione is scheduled to appear days later in Brooklyn, where he faces the possibility of execution if convicted.
With terrorism charges dismissed, the state trial will now center on whether Mangione acted with intent to kill — while his federal trial looms as the more consequential legal battle.
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