Tue Sep 16 16:57:06 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**”Terrorism” Charges Dropped in UnitedHealthcare Executive Murder Case, Shooter Still Faces Murder Count**
**NEW YORK, NY** – A New York State court has dismissed “terrorism”-related charges against Luigi Mangione, 27, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in December of last year. The ruling, handed down on Tuesday, stated that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence to a grand jury demonstrating Mangione acted with the intent to intimidate health insurance workers or influence government policy, a key element needed to prove murder as an act of “terrorism.”
Despite the dismissal of these charges, Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge and eight other criminal counts, including seven counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of possessing a false identification. He could face life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder.
Thompson was killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where UnitedHealthcare was hosting an investor conference. The killing was widely condemned, but Mangione has garnered support from some who criticize high healthcare costs. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse, with one even dressed as the Nintendo character Luigi, and another holding a sign declaring “Healthcare is a human right.”
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office stated that they respect the court’s decision and will proceed with the remaining nine counts.
Furthermore, Mangione faces a separate federal indictment for Thompson’s murder, where the US Justice Department is seeking the death penalty. The dismissal of the state-level “terrorism” counts does not impact the federal case.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges. His next court date in the state case is set for December 1st. He remains in federal custody in Brooklyn, and trial dates have not yet been set in either case.
First Piper 