Judge Dismisses Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder
A New York judge has dismissed state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. Judge Gregory Carro ruled on September 16, 2025, that the evidence presented did not meet the legal definition of terrorism under New York state law. The charges dismissed include first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism. However, Judge Carro upheld the second-degree murder charge, stating that there was sufficient evidence to suggest a premeditated and intentional killing.
The prosecution had argued that Mangione’s actions were intended to intimidate or coerce the public, citing his anti-healthcare industry sentiments and writings. Despite this, the judge found that the evidence did not support the claim that Mangione aimed to terrorize the population or influence government policy. As a result, the terrorism-related charges were dismissed, but the murder charge remains, carrying a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League graduate, has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He also faces federal charges, including murder and weapons possession, with the federal government seeking the death penalty. His legal team has raised concerns about double jeopardy, arguing that state and federal prosecutions for the same offense are unconstitutional. However, the judge ruled that the two sovereign entities—state and federal governments—are permitted to prosecute the same individual for the same act.
The case has garnered national attention, with public reactions varying widely. Some view Mangione as a symbol of opposition to rising healthcare costs, while others condemn his actions as unjustifiable violence. Supporters have attended court hearings, some dressed in green to echo the character “Luigi,” while others have expressed outrage over the killing.
A pretrial hearing for the state charges is scheduled for December 1, 2025. Mangione remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
