A New York judge has dismissed state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione over the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in late 2024.
In a Sept. 16 order, Judge Gregory Carro ruled there was insufficient evidence to support the terrorism allegations, writing that while the killing was premeditated and calculated, “the evidence presented failed to establish that the defendant committed the crime to coerce or intimidate a civilian population, or to influence or affect the policy of a unit of government.”
Mr. Mangione had previously pleaded not guilty to multiple state murder counts, including murder as an act of terrorism. He still faces second-degree murder and weapons charges at the state level, which the court found legally sufficient.
Defense attorneys had also argued that the case should be paused while Mangione faces separate federal charges, where prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty. Judge Carro denied the defense’s request, finding no double jeopardy violation and ruling the state trial will move forward first.
Federal prosecutors indicted Mr. Mangione in April on four counts, including murder through use of a firearm and stalking charges. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Mr. Mangione is alleged to have fatally shot Mr. Thompson on Dec. 4 outside of the New York Hilton Midtown, where UnitedHealth Group was hosting its annual investor day conference. Upon arrest several days after the killing, law enforcement recovered a handwritten manifesto regarding Mr. Mangione’s motivation and mindset, where he expressed contempt toward corporate America and the health insurance industry.
