A judge dismissed two terrorism-related charges against Luigi Mangione in a Manhattan courtroom today. The ruling removes first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism from the case against the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse erupted into cheers when the decision was announced. The celebration highlighted the significant legal victory for Mangione, who has garnered substantial public support since his arrest.
Legal implications
Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge in state court and separate federal charges related to Thompson's killing in December 2024. His lawyers had argued that the New York state charges and federal charges amounted to double jeopardy.
Judge Gregory Carro ruled the terrorism charges were "legally insufficient" in his written decision, according to The Guardian. The dismissal significantly reduces the potential severity of Mangione's state-level prosecution.
Public support and federal case
Supporters have raised over £1.2 million for Mangione's legal defence fund, as reported by the Daily Mail. The substantial financial backing demonstrates the widespread public sympathy for the Ivy League graduate accused of the high-profile killing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking the death penalty in the federal case, The Guardian reports. The federal charges ensure Mangione still faces the possibility of the ultimate punishment despite the state terrorism charges being dropped.
Sources used: "Metro", "The Guardian", "Daily Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
