Judge Dismisses Terrorism Charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting
Manhattan – A New York judge has dismissed terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown last December. Justice Gregory Carro ruled that prosecutors failed to demonstrate Mangione intended to intimidate or coerce the public, a requirement under New York’s terrorism statutes.
The dismissal removes the possibility of a life-without-parole sentence, though Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge.
Mangione, 27, has pleaded not guilty in both state and federal cases related to the December 4, 2024, killing of Thompson, who was shot as he arrived for a conference at the New York Hilton. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, alleging the shooting was a premeditated assassination motivated by political animus toward the health care industry.
Authorities found ammunition at the scene marked with terms – “Delay,” “Deny,” and “Depose” – that prosecutors argue reference the book Delay, Deny, defend, a critique of the insurance industry.
The defense has argued the dual state and federal prosecutions constitute double jeopardy and that evidence obtained during Mangione’s arrest in Pennsylvania was unlawfully collected. Justice Carro stated it was premature to rule on these constitutional claims.
The case has garnered public attention, with Mangione attracting support from critics of the health insurance industry. Supporters, referencing the Super Mario Bros. character Luigi, gathered outside the courthouse Tuesday and cheered as the defense team left the hearing.
Pretrial hearings in the state case are scheduled for December 1, shortly before Mangione’s next federal court appearance. Justice Carro was appointed to the bench in 1997 by then-Mayor Rudy Giuliani and has a reputation for being tough on crime.
