Judge dismisses terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in UHC CEO murder case
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group chief executive Brian Thompson, appears in Manhattan Supreme Court on New York state murder and terrorism charges in New York City, US, February 21, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
A New York State judge has dismissed terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
The decision, issued Tuesday by Judge Gregory Carro, allows second-degree murder and other charges to proceed while rejecting prosecutors' claims that the killing qualified as an act of terrorism under state law.
In a written ruling, Judge Carro stated that while the killing was clearly ideologically motivated, the evidence presented failed to meet the legal threshold for terrorism. “There was no evidence presented that the defendant made any demands of government or sought any particular governmental policy change, let alone that he did so by intimidation or coercion,” Carro wrote. He emphasized that expressing anger toward the health care industry does not, under New York law, constitute terrorism.
Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges in both state and federal court, including weapons possession and forgery. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Mangione ambushing Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown ahead of an investor conference. Police say ammunition found at the scene was inscribed with the words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose”—a reference to common critiques of the insurance industry.
Supporters of Mangione, who has become a cult figure among those disillusioned with the health care system, gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday, many wearing green in reference to the Nintendo character Luigi. One attendee wore a shirt reading, “FREE LUIGI.”
Prosecutors cited Mangione’s handwritten journal entries, which expressed rage at the “greed-fueled health insurance cartel” and admiration for Unabomber Ted Kaczynski. However, the judge ruled these writings were insufficient to prove an intent to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population” as required by terrorism statutes.
Mangione also faces federal charges, including stalking and murder, which could carry the death penalty. His attorneys argued the concurrent prosecutions amount to double jeopardy, but Carro dismissed that claim as premature.
Pretrial hearings in the state case are scheduled to begin December 1.