New York judge rules terrorism charges legally insufficient in Mangione case

2025, September 18

United States

On Tuesday, New York Judge Gregory Carro dismissed two of the charges related to terrorism against Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of Brian Thompson. Carro stated prosecutors had not provided sufficient evidence to support the terrorism-related charges. He ruled that the second-degree murder charge against Mangione would proceed.

Carro also said that the two murder charges could not be considered terrorism because Mangione had not "made any demands of government or sought any particular governmental policy change."

Specifically, Carro dismissed the charges of first-degree murder and second-degree murder, while allowing another count of second-degree murder to stand. In a written decision posted during the brief proceeding, he wrote: "Counts one and two, charging [the] defendant with murder in the first degree (in furtherance of an act of terrorism) and murder in the second degree as a crime of terrorism, are dismissed as legally insufficient. The people presented legally sufficient evidence of all other counts, including murder in the second degree (intentional)."

The Manhattan district attorney's office published a response: "We respect the Court's decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree."

In addition to the New York state proceedings, Mangione also faces federal murder charges, which could lead to the death penalty, according to The Guardian and the BBC.

Mangione was present for the decision, in his prison uniform and shackles, according to The Guardian.

Mangione allegedly killed Thompson in December 2024 in Manhattan. Thompson served as the CEO of United Healthcare.