Judge drops terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione in murder case
- Luigi Mangione appeared in court as the judge dismissed terrorism charges linked to the murder of Brian Thompson.
- The ruling indicated that the state terrorism charges were deemed legally insufficient according to New York law.
- The case raises serious concerns about public safety and the risks faced by public figures in today's climate.
In the United States, specifically in New York, a significant legal decision was made regarding Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. On December 4, 2024, Thompson was shot and killed in a premeditated attack as he arrived at a hotel for an investor conference. The incident drew national attention, especially in light of a rising trend of violence against public figures. Following a series of pre-trial motions, on September 16, 2025, Judge Gregory Carro dismissed two state terrorism-related charges against Mangione, citing insufficient legal basis for those charges. The judge noted that while the murder was heinous, it did not meet the standard for terrorism under New York law. Mangione, a 27-year-old Ivy League graduate, remains charged with second-degree murder and several federal charges, including those carrying the possibility of the death penalty. Despite the dismissals, the case continues to attract significant media coverage and raises broader concerns about the safety of public figures in the current climate of political violence.