A New York state judge on Tuesday dismissed two terrorism-related counts against Luigi Mangione in connection with the December 2024 killing of health insurance executive Brian Thompson. The 27-year-old remains charged with second-degree murder and eight additional criminal counts in the case.
Justice Gregory Carro ruled that prosecutors had not provided enough evidence to the grand jury to prove Mangione acted with the intent to intimidate health insurance workers or influence government policy—a requirement for a murder to qualify as an act of terrorism.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, is escorted by police officers as he leaves the courtroom at Manhattan Supreme Court on the day he appears on New York State murder and terrorism charges, in New York City, U.S., September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
“While there is no doubt that the crime at issue here is not ordinary ‘street crime,’ it does not follow that all non-street crimes were meant to be included within the reach of the terrorism statute,” Carro wrote in his decision.
Mangione appeared in court in Lower Manhattan handcuffed and shackled, wearing tan prison attire. His next court date is scheduled for December 1.
Despite the dismissal of the terrorism counts, Mangione still faces severe potential penalties. A conviction for second-degree murder could result in life in prison. In the state case, he is also charged with seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of possessing a false identification.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, writes in a notebook as he appears at Manhattan Supreme Court in New York City, U.S., September 16, 2025. Curtis Means/Pool via REUTERS
A separate federal indictment is pending against Mangione for the killing of Thompson, the former chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, with the U.S. Justice Department seeking the death penalty. Carro’s dismissal of state-level terrorism counts does not affect the federal proceedings. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges.
The December 4, 2024 killing occurred outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel during an investor conference hosted by Thompson’s company. Public officials from across the political spectrum widely condemned the attack.
A small group of Mangione supporters gathered outside the courthouse, some wearing costumes and holding flags referencing Italian heritage and healthcare rights. Around two dozen members of the public attended the court session, including one wearing a “Free Luigi” t-shirt.
People rally in support of Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson, on the day of his appearance at Manhattan Supreme Court facing New York State murder and terrorism charges in New York City, U.S., September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton
Trial dates have not yet been set for either the state or federal cases. Mangione remains in federal custody in Brooklyn following his arrest last year.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office stated: “We respect the court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including murder in the second degree.”
