A Manhattan judge has dismissed the top terrorism-related murder charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The 27-year-old, an Ivy League graduate, remains in custody facing other state and federal charges, including a second-degree murder charge that carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life.
Judge Gregory Carro ruled on Tuesday that the evidence presented to the grand jury did not support claims that Mangione committed murder as an act of terrorism.
While acknowledging that the attack was premeditated, Carro wrote that Mangione’s intent was not to intimidate or coerce the public but rather to spotlight perceived corruption and greed within the healthcare industry.
Both the first-degree and second-degree murder counts tied to terrorism were dismissed as a result.
The remaining second-degree murder charge in the state case remains active, and Mangione has pleaded not guilty.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said it respects the ruling and will continue to pursue the remaining counts.
Simultaneously, Mangione faces federal charges overseen by U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi, who has indicated prosecutors may seek the death penalty in that case, highlighting the continuing seriousness of the legal proceedings.
The assassination shocked both the healthcare and business communities.
Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Manhattan Hilton on Dec. 4, while arriving for a conference.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured Mangione methodically positioning himself before opening fire.
Thompson stumbled after the first shots and was struck again, ultimately being pronounced dead at Mount Sinai Hospital. Eyewitness accounts confirm a chaotic scene as law enforcement and bystanders rushed to assist.
Authorities describe Mangione as anti-capitalist and critical of the healthcare industry’s profits.
He has also expressed concerns about climate change, according to investigative findings.
Police recovered notebooks, a diary and a fake ID at the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
According to The Post Millennial, one diary entry stated, “I finally feel confident about what I will do. The target is insurance. It checks every box.”
Authorities conducted a multi-state manhunt to apprehend Mangione, underscoring the nationwide scope of the investigation.
Carro announced his ruling during a brief hearing at Manhattan Supreme Court.
Mangione appeared in a tan prison outfit with a maroon shirt, raising his eyebrows toward supporters in the gallery as he was led away in handcuffs.
Legal analysts have noted that the terrorism-related charges were ambitious, with defense attorney Ron Kuby calling them “wildly overcharging” and suggesting prosecutors were motivated by publicity rather than strict legal precedent, the New York Post reports.
The decision does not diminish the seriousness of the remaining charges.
Mangione is scheduled to return to state court on Dec. 1, and federal proceedings are set for Dec. 5.
If convicted on the remaining counts, Mangione faces decades behind bars and a potential federal death sentence, keeping the case at the forefront of national attention.
The ruling highlights broader debates over the scope of terrorism-related charges and prosecutorial discretion.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how courts define acts of terrorism in cases involving individual perpetrators acting outside organized groups.
While the dismissal is a blow to prosecutors, authorities maintain that the evidence supporting other charges remains substantial, and the case is far from over.
WATCH:
