A New York judge dismissed two state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione. He is 26 and accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The ruling happened during a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court. Mangione still faces other charges, including first-degree murder and federal firearms offences.
The judge said the two terrorism counts did not meet New York’s legal standards. Prosecutors claimed Mangione planned the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism driven by anger toward the health insurance industry. However, the court found not enough evidence to support these charges at this time. Mangione’s lawyer said the accusations went too far and stressed the case’s complexity.
Breaking News: A judge dismissed two state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, who is accused in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s chief executive. https://t.co/7cxKpOAnpz
— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 16, 2025Mangione was arrested on December 9, 2024, after a nationwide manhunt. Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan hotel. Authorities found a manifesto in Mangione’s backpack that criticised corporate greed in healthcare. He faces 11 state charges, including second-degree murder under terrorism laws. He also faces federal charges for interstate stalking and firearm possession. The case has gained national attention and highlights tensions around healthcare costs.
The dismissal simplifies the case but does not weaken the main murder charges. Mangione’s next court date is in October 2025. His defence plans to challenge more charges while prosecutors prepare for a trial expected in early 2026. The ruling shows how strict state courts are about terrorism charges.
Mangione’s manifesto and targeting of a healthcare executive sparked debate on corporate responsibility and mental health. As a former engineering student with no prior record, his case raises questions about radicalisation and systemic problems in U.S. healthcare. The dismissal also highlights the legal challenges in high-profile cases.
