Judge Drops Terrorism Charges Against Luigi Mangione in Murder Case [WATCH]

A Manhattan judge dismissed two state terrorism-related charges Tuesday against Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as reported by TMZ.

The ruling dropped the counts of murder in the first degree in furtherance of an act of terrorism and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism.

Luigi Mangione’s state terrorism charges have been dismissed.

(https://t.co/bua4FJOunC) pic.twitter.com/Bh2GpiP4FZ

— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 16, 2025

The judge said the terrorism statute could not be applied so broadly as to cover individuals or groups “who are not normally viewed as terrorists.”

In his decision, the judge noted that Mangione’s alleged act — the targeted killing of one individual — could not be equated with conventional terrorism. “The defendant’s targeted killing of one individual — although abhorrent and despicable — is not comparable,” the judge wrote.

Luigi Mangione’s charges have been dropped down to 2nd degree murder, which means no life without parole.

Is this how we punish assassins in this country, by reducing their charges and thereby encouraging more of this?

Outrageous.

— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKsway) September 16, 2025

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Prosecutors had argued that Mangione’s attack, which they say was motivated by his hostility toward UnitedHealthcare and the broader health care industry, should be treated as terrorism.

The court disagreed, finding that while Mangione expressed animus toward the industry, his actions did not meet the legal standard of seeking to intimidate or coerce a civilian population.

It’s not a coincidence that the Luigi Mangione trial will be coinciding with the 2026 midterms. A judge just dropped the terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione for “insufficient evidence”.

This is all being done intentionally to let the Left know: if you murder someone for…

— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 16, 2025

Mangione still faces numerous state charges, including murder in the second degree (intentional) and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Federal prosecutors have also charged him with murder, which carries the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both the state and federal charges.

According to courtroom reports, Mangione appeared calm as he was escorted out by officers, smiling softly at his defense attorneys and raising his eyebrows toward the gallery.

Outside the Manhattan Supreme Court, a crowd of supporters gathered holding signs and chanting “Free Luigi!” as the hearing concluded. The scene drew attention to the growing public following around the high-profile case.

NOW: People are cheering and hugging in reaction to Luigi Mangione having his terrorism charges dropped. The murder count will stand.

“Free Luigi!”

They want him to be released, and view him as a hero. We have massive issues as a country. pic.twitter.com/6OQlv8cEKo

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 16, 2025

Mangione was arrested after a five-day manhunt in December 2024. Authorities allege he shot and killed Thompson in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, the same day UnitedHealthcare held its annual investor conference.

Investigators also reported recovering a diary in which Mangione expressed anti-corporate views and criticized the health care industry.

While Tuesday’s ruling narrows the scope of charges against Mangione in New York state court, he still faces the prospect of a federal capital murder trial. Prosecutors have 60 days from the date of the indictment to formally notify the court if they intend to pursue the death penalty.

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