A New York judge has dismissed state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a high-profile case that has ignited a national conversation on the U.S. healthcare system.
On Tuesday, judge Gregory Carro of the New York state court ruled that the evidence presented was "legally insufficient" to support two terrorism-related counts against Mangione. The ruling, however, allows the state's case to proceed on charges of second-degree murder and weapon possession. Mangione’s next state court appearance is scheduled for December 1, 2025.
While the state case has been narrowed, Mangione faces a separate and more severe legal battle at the federal level. Federal prosecutors have charged him with interstate stalking resulting in death and using a firearm to commit murder. Following the indictment, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all state and federal charges.
The case stems from the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. Thompson was in New York to speak at an investor conference when he was shot. The assailant used a suppressed 9mm pistol, and investigators found shell casings at the scene inscribed with the words "delay," "deny," and "depose"—terms frequently associated with health insurance claim practices.
Mangione, a 27-year-old graduate of an Ivy League university, was arrested days after the shooting. His arrest and subsequent prosecution have drawn a polarized reaction from the American public. While many officials and citizens have condemned the killing, a vocal contingent has emerged online and at court proceedings to express support for Mangione. These supporters view the act as a form of protest against the health insurance industry's controversial practices, particularly the denial of claims. Crowdfunding campaigns have even been established to aid Mangione’s legal defense.
The killing of Thompson and the ensuing public response have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the American healthcare system. Social media platforms have been filled with a mix of condolences for the victim and commentary that frames the killing within the context of systemic failures in health insurance, drawing significant attention to the often-fraught relationship between patients and providers. As the legal proceedings continue on dual state and federal tracks, the case remains a focal point for this broader societal debate.