Terrorism charges dropped against Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing
The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 will no longer face terrorism-related murder charges in New York after appearing in court this week.
Luigi Mangione, 27, and his attorneys entered a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday morning for a hearing on several pretrial motions pertaining to the state charges against him—an 11-count indictment that included murder in the first degree in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism.
After deliberations, Judge Gregory Carro dismissed the two terrorism charges, leaving Mangione facing a nine-count criminal indictment in the state, which still includes a murder charge in the slaying of Thompson.
In his ruling, Carro rejected the prosecution's claim that the murder was committed to instill fear into the public. Instead, he suggested that narrative may stem solely from the perspective of law enforcement, as there was no evidence Mangione had such motivations.
“There was no evidence presented of a desire to terrorize the public, inspire widespread fear, engage in a broader campaign of violence, or to conspire with organized terrorist groups,” Carro wrote. “Here, the crime—the heinous, but targeted and discrete killing of one person—is very different from the examples of terrorism set forth in the statute.”
In New York, murder in furtherance of terrorism carries a near-guarantee of a life sentence. Mangione still faces the possibility of life behind bars if found guilty of the remaining charges, which include murder in the second degree and eight charges stemming from his alleged possession and use of an illegal firearm.
However, under the law, those convicted of murder in the second degree in New York—the most serious non-terrorism related homicide charge in the state—would be eligible for parole in 25 years.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Pretrial conflicts remain
Carro did not rule on other motions from the defense or prosecution, leaving several issues that must be resolved before Mangione’s New York trial can begin.
Mangione’s attorneys are challenging the search in Pennsylvania that allegedly led to the discovery of the firearm used to kill Thompson, as well as a notebook with a handwritten note. The defense is set to argue that this evidence was obtained unlawfully, as police lacked the necessary probable cause to justify a warrantless search.
It’s also been alleged that Mangione was not read his Miranda rights, which could mean any statements made to police during his detention would be inadmissible at trial.
The prosecution maintains that the arrest and search of Mangione was lawful and did not violate his rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, the district attorneys working the case are pushing for clarity from Mangione’s lawyers on if they intend to bring psychiatric evidence into the trial as part of an insanity defense.
All of these issues will need to be addressed in future hearings, scheduled to begin on Dec. 1.
Death penalty on the table
Notably, Mangione also faces other trials outside of New York, including weapons charges in Pennsylvania and a federal murder indictment. His lawyers had attempted to have all state charges of murder dismissed, as a conviction in federal court holds more serious penalties, including death.
However, Carro ruled Mangione will have to face charges in New York, regardless of the federal indictment.
Mangione’s trial in New York could begin as soon as December, with federal proceedings likely to follow once it concludes.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.