Luigi Mangione Update: Judge Drops Terror-Related Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case

A New York judge has dismissed two terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The ruling was made on September 16 during Mangione’s first state court appearance since February.

Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges. He still faces murder counts connected to the December 2024 shooting outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Judge Rules Terrorism Counts Are ‘Legally Insufficient’

Justice Gregory Carro said the charges of murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder as a crime of terrorism did not meet the legal definition under New York law.

According to Reuters, the law requires an intent to intimidate or coerce multiple civilians. Prosecutors argued Mangione acted for ideological reasons, but the judge said this alone does not qualify as terrorism.

The defense had pushed for the dismissal, claiming the charges stretched beyond state law. Carro agreed, noting prosecutors still had enough evidence to proceed on other counts, including second-degree murder.

Background on the Case Against Luigi Mangione

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed on December 4, 2024. The attack happened outside a Manhattan hotel in what police described as a targeted strike.

Mangione was arrested five days later at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania after a nationwide manhunt led by the FBI.

State prosecutors filed 11 charges against him, including murder and weapons offenses. Federal prosecutors added charges of using a firearm to commit murder and interstate stalking resulting in death. These charges could carry the death penalty.

What Happens Next in the Trial

Mangione’s legal team has argued that the federal charges expose him to double jeopardy. Judge Carro rejected that claim as premature.

Hearings are scheduled to begin December 1, though no trial date has been set. Prosecutors maintain they have strong evidence for the remaining charges.

The case continues to draw national attention. It has been cited alongside other politically motivated killings, including the recent assassination of activist Charlie Kirk. Officials say such attacks highlight growing concerns about targeted violence in the U.S.

Mangione still faces life-changing charges, and the path toward trial remains long and complex.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What charges were dropped against Luigi Mangione?

The judge dismissed two terrorism-related charges, including murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder as a crime of terrorism.

Q2: Does Mangione still face trial?

Yes. He still faces murder and weapons charges at the state level, along with federal charges that could bring the death penalty.

Q3: When did the killing of Brian Thompson happen?

Brian Thompson was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, 2024.

Q4: Why were terrorism charges dismissed?

The judge ruled they were legally insufficient because New York law requires attacks on multiple civilians, not a single victim.

Q5: When is the next court date?

Hearings are set to begin on December 1, though a trial date has not been confirmed.