Luigi Mangione terrorism charges dropped by Manhattan judge, but second-degree murder case moves forward
Although Mangione is no longer facing terrorism-related counts under New York State law, his second-degree murder charge and a handful of weapons charges remain active.
Why The Terror Charges Were Tossed
Judge Gregory Carro ruled that the two top charges — first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism — were “legally insufficient” and did not meet New York’s definition of terrorism.
Even though prosecutors argued that Mangione expressed hate for UnitedHealthcare and the insurance industry, the court found that the state didn’t prove he was trying to intimidate or coerce the public, which is a key requirement for state terrorism charges to stick.
Mangione was arrested five days after the murder in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He’s pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges.
The Murder That Rocked Corporate America
On December 4, 2024, 52-year-oldThompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot outside a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan during a corporate event. Witnesses said the shooting was calculated and Thompson was targeted.
Mangione fled the scene and managed to cross state lines before being captured. He remains in custody. A trial date has not been set for the remaining state charges.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors are moving forward with their own case — and they’re reportedly weighing the death penalty.
