Terrorism Charges Dismissed Against Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO Killing

New York, NY – A New York state judge on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, dismissed two terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The ruling by Judge Gregory Carro at Manhattan Supreme Court means Mangione will still face a second-degree murder charge, alongside other criminal counts, in the high-profile case. The decision came amid significant public interest, with supporters gathering outside the courthouse.

Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare's insurance division, on a busy Manhattan street in December 2024. Authorities allege Mangione left a note criticizing companies that profit from the U.S. healthcare system, accusing them of "corruption and greed." The killing sparked a five-day manhunt that ended with Mangione's arrest in Pennsylvania.

Judge Carro ruled that prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence to justify the terrorism-related murder charges. In his written decision, Carro stated that while the crime was not an "ordinary 'street crime'," the allegations against Mangione did not meet New York's definition of terrorism, which requires intent to put political pressure on the government or terrorize the general population. If convicted of second-degree murder, Mangione faces a minimum sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison.

Outside the Manhattan courthouse, a crowd of Mangione's supporters gathered, some holding placards with slogans like "Free Luigi" and "Healthcare is a human right." One individual on social media, Nick Rizzuto, commented on the scene, stating, "Now here's a live look at the Luigi Mangione fan club outside of his hearing in a Manhattan court." Some supporters were notably dressed in green, referencing the Nintendo character Luigi, as a symbol of solidarity.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges. In addition to the state proceedings, he faces separate federal murder charges, where the U.S. Justice Department is reportedly seeking the death penalty. Judge Carro rejected a defense request to delay the state trial until the federal case concludes, with trial hearings scheduled to begin on December 1.