Luigi Mangione's Terrorism Charges Dropped, UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case Continues

Liputan6.com, Jakarta On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Judge Gregory Carro of the New York Supreme Court officially dismissed the terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione.

This decision came in a New York state case related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

Although prosecutors argued that the writings Mangione left behind showed a terrorist motive, the judge said they failed to show that the suspect intended to exert political pressure on the government or terrorize the general public — key provisions of New York's terrorism law, passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

"There was no evidence presented that the defendant made any demands of government or sought any particular governmental policy change, let alone that he did so by intimidation or coercion," Carro wrote in his ruling.

However, Luigi Mangione still faces other serious charges that could result in life imprisonment if convicted.

BREAKING: A judge has dismissed two murder charges related to acts of terrorism for Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge. https://t.co/kQZNDjCNli pic.twitter.com/084vc1Rc0a

— ABC News (@ABC) September 16, 2025

Judge Gregory Carro ruled that the evidence presented to the grand jury was legally insufficient to support charges of first- and second-degree murder under the state's terrorism statute.

According to Carro, there was insufficient evidence that Luigi Mangione intended to terrorize the population, intimidate or coerce a civilian population, or influence the policy of a governmental entity through intimidation or coercion.

While Luigi Mangione clearly displayed hostility toward UnitedHealthcare and the healthcare industry in general, the judge held that this did not automatically mean his intent was to "intimidate and coerce a civilian population."

The definition of terrorism was considered "difficult to define," and the judge cautioned against overly broadening its scope.

The decision also emphasized that not all non-street crimes are intended to fall within the scope of the terrorism statute, even if the crimes committed were not typical "street crimes."

The dismissed first-degree murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Although the terrorism charges were dropped, Luigi Mangione still faces other serious charges in the state case.

He remains charged with second-degree murder and eight weapons-related charges.

If convicted of the second-degree murder charge, Mangione faces a minimum sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison.

He is also charged with felony weapons possession and forgery.

A spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's office stated that they respect the court's decision and will proceed with the remaining nine charges, including second-degree murder.

The next hearing in Luigi Mangione's state case is scheduled for December 1.

Further pretrial hearings for the federal and state cases will also be held in December, indicating the continuation of this complex legal process.

The case began when Luigi Mangione was accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024.

The tragic incident occurred as Thompson arrived for an investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown, where surveillance video showed a masked man shooting him in the back.

Police investigations found the words "delay," "deny," and "depose" on the ammunition used.

These phrases mimicked terms commonly used to describe how insurance companies avoid paying claims, suggesting a possible motive behind the crime.

Luigi Mangione was arrested five days later at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an intensive manhunt.

Since his arrest, Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges.