In a significant legal development, a New York state judge has dismissed two terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. The ruling, delivered by Judge Gregory Carro on September 16, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the high-profile case that has sparked intense public debate and drawn significant attention across the United States. While the terrorism charges have been dropped, Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge and other counts in New York, as well as federal and Pennsylvania state charges. This article explores the details of the ruling, its implications, and the ongoing legal battles surrounding Mangione.
Background of the Luigi Mangione Case
Luigi Mangione, a former Ivy League graduate, allegedly shot and killed Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, on a Manhattan street on December 4, 2024. The incident, described by prosecutors as a targeted attack, took place as Thompson arrived at the New York Hilton Midtown for an investor conference. Authorities claim Mangione harbored deep resentment toward the healthcare industry, with evidence suggesting his actions were motivated by ideological opposition to perceived inequities in the system. Words like “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were reportedly inscribed on the bullets used in the shooting, echoing criticisms of insurance companies’ practices.
Mangione was arrested five days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a manhunt. He faced a slew of charges in New York, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism, second-degree murder as an act of terrorism, and additional counts related to weapons possession and forgery. Additionally, Mangione faces federal murder charges, which carry the possibility of the death penalty, and separate charges in Pennsylvania for firearms and identification-related offenses.
Terrorism Charges Dismissed: Judge’s Ruling
On September 16, 2025, Judge Gregory Carro of the New York Court of Claims ruled that the evidence presented to support the terrorism-related charges was “legally insufficient.” In his written decision, Carro stated that while Mangione’s actions demonstrated clear animus toward UnitedHealthcare and the healthcare industry, they did not meet the legal threshold for terrorism under New York state law. Specifically, the judge noted that there was no evidence to suggest Mangione’s intent was to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population,” a key element required for terrorism charges.
The dismissed charges included:
- First-degree murder as an act of terrorism
- Second-degree murder as an act of terrorism
Despite the dismissal of these charges, Judge Carro upheld the second-degree murder charge, indicating that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the allegation of intentional murder. Mangione also faces seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of possessing false identification in the New York state case. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office issued a statement respecting the court’s decision and affirmed their intent to move forward with the remaining nine counts, including second-degree murder.
Public Reaction and Supporter Presence
The dismissal of the terrorism charges sparked significant reactions, particularly among Mangione’s supporters. On the morning of the hearing, dozens of supporters gathered outside the Manhattan Supreme Court, some wearing “Free Luigi” T-shirts and others dressed in green, a nod to the Super Mario Bros. character Luigi. One supporter even wore a costume resembling the video game character, while another held an Italian flag inscribed with the phrase “Healthcare is a human right.” As news of the dropped charges spread, cheers erupted among the crowd, reflecting the polarizing nature of the case.
Mangione’s supporters, often referred to as “Luigi Girls,” have consistently attended his court appearances, with some waiting over 24 hours to secure seats in the courtroom. Their presence underscores the public’s divided sentiment, with many viewing Mangione as a symbol of resistance against the healthcare industry, while others condemn his alleged actions as a violent crime.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Cases
The dismissal of the terrorism charges represents a significant victory for Mangione’s legal team, led by attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo. The defense had argued that the terrorism charges constituted double jeopardy, given the parallel federal and state prosecutions. While Judge Carro rejected the double jeopardy argument, the removal of the terrorism counts reduces the severity of potential penalties in the state case, as first-degree murder as an act of terrorism could have carried a life sentence without parole.
However, Mangione’s legal battles are far from over. In addition to the New York state case, he faces federal murder charges, which could result in the death penalty if he is convicted. Federal prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, have described the killing as a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination.” Mangione also faces five charges in Pennsylvania, including forgery, tampering with records, false identification, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of an instrument of crime.
The New York state trial is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025, while Mangione’s next federal court appearance is set for December. A Pennsylvania court has requested his presence for firearms-related charges on November 7, 2025, though he remains in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Legal analysts suggest that none of the trials are likely to conclude before 2026, given the complexity of the cases and ongoing motions by Mangione’s defense team.
Controversies and Broader Context
The Mangione case has ignited debates about the U.S. healthcare system, prosecutorial overreach, and the application of terrorism charges in ideologically motivated crimes. Mangione’s supporters argue that his actions, while extreme, reflect widespread frustration with healthcare inequalities, particularly in the context of insurance companies’ practices. Prosecutors, however, maintain that Mangione’s writings, including a notebook outlining his intent to “wack” an insurance executive, demonstrate premeditation and justify the severity of the charges.
The case has also raised questions about double jeopardy, as Mangione’s legal team contends that the simultaneous state and federal prosecutions violate his constitutional rights. Additionally, concerns have been raised about prosecutorial conduct, with Mangione’s attorneys alleging that New York state prosecutors “inadvertently” listened to privileged calls between Mangione and his legal team, potentially compromising his defense.
What’s Next for Luigi Mangione?
As the legal proceedings continue, Mangione remains a polarizing figure. His supporters view him as a folk hero challenging a flawed system, while others see him as a dangerous individual responsible for a calculated murder. The dismissal of the terrorism charges has shifted the focus to the second-degree murder charge in New York, which carries significant penalties but does not rise to the level of life without parole. Meanwhile, the federal case, with its potential for the death penalty, looms large over Mangione’s future.
The upcoming trials will likely delve deeper into Mangione’s motivations, the evidence collected during his arrest, and the broader implications of his actions. For now, the case continues to captivate public attention, with Mangione’s supporters rallying behind him and prosecutors determined to secure convictions on the remaining charges.
Conclusion
The dismissal of terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione is a significant development in a case that has gripped the nation. While the ruling reduces the severity of the state charges, Mangione still faces serious legal consequences in multiple jurisdictions. As the trials approach, the case will likely continue to spark debates about justice, healthcare, and the boundaries of ideological expression. Stay tuned for updates as this complex legal saga unfolds.