By Just days following one of the most high-profile assassinations in decades, a judge has made a ruling that may only spur more violence. In a blow to Manhattan prosecutors, a judge has dismissed the top terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Midtown investor conference last December.
The ruling, issued Tuesday by Judge Gregory Carro in Manhattan Supreme Court, left intact a second-degree murder charge but rejected prosecutors’ claim that Mangione’s actions constituted terrorism, reported The New York Post. “The People presented sufficient evidence that the defendant murdered Brian Thompson in a premeditated and calculated execution,” Judge Carro wrote. “That does not mean, however, that the defendant did so with terroristic intent.”
Carro added, “The defendant’s apparent objective, as stated in his writings, was not to threaten, intimidate, or coerce, but rather, to draw attention to what he perceived as the greed of the insurance industry.”
The dismissal reduces Mangione’s state exposure to a maximum of 25 years to life in prison, rather than life without parole. But he still faces separate federal charges that could bring the death penalty, with U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi signaling she will pursue that option.
Luigi Mangione’s murder of Brian Thompson — an innocent man and father of two young children — was a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America. After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump’s agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again,” wrote in April.
Carro’s decision came after a brief 15-minute hearing in which Mangione, clad in a tan prison uniform over a maroon shirt, entered the courtroom in handcuffs. On his way out, he arched his eyebrows at a group of Mangione supporters—mostly young women—seated in the gallery. Outside, protesters carried signs reading “Healthcare is a human right” and “Not Guilty.”
The left has turned Mangione into a sort of strange sex symbol. On Tuesday, liberal activists stopped dancing on the grave of Charlie Kirk for a few moments to celebrate Carro’s ruling.
Leftists yesterday: "How dare JD Vance say that most of the lunatics in politics are on the far left!"
Leftists today: Dance in the streets celebrating the news that Luigi Mangione's charges were dropped to 2nd degree murder.pic.twitter.com/GkgYYuFO54
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) September 16, 2025
Some of his deranged followers even claimed to “marry” and AI version of the alleged murderer.
"I'm married to Luigi's AI, I'm not kidding" Luigi Mangione supporter who is in Ai Relationship with him, Speaks Outside NYC Court pic.twitter.com/mVGIgUGW61
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) September 16, 2025
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office had argued Mangione’s attack was intended to “intimidate or coerce a civilian population.” Legal experts questioned that theory from the start. Defense lawyer Ron Kuby told The Post in December 2024 that Bragg was “wildly overcharging” Mangione to generate a “great headline.”
A spokesperson for the DA’s office said after Tuesday’s ruling, “We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree.”
Mangione is due back in state court on December 1, and in federal court on December 5. The case continues to attract scrutiny, amplified by surveillance footage from the Midtown Hilton Hotel that captured the moment of the shooting.
[Read More: Vance Has One Message For Those Celebrating Kirk’s Death]
