In a significant development for his defense, Luigi Mangione saw the two most severe state charges against him dismissed by a judge on Tuesday. The charges, first-degree murder and a second-degree murder charge framed as an act of terrorism in the killing of United HealthCare executive Brian Thompson, were thrown out.
Presiding Judge Gregory Carro announced in a written decision that "the evidence put forth was legally insufficient" to sustain the two terrorism-related counts. While these top charges were dismissed, Judge Carro affirmed that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence for the other counts, including an intentional second-degree murder charge. Mangione also faces a separate federal murder charge and weapons possession counts for allegedly shooting Thompson outside a hotel last December.
Mangione's defense team had unsuccessfully argued for a complete dismissal based on double jeopardy, claiming that facing murder charges in both state and federal court was unconstitutional. Judge Carro rejected this argument, citing a Supreme Court precedent that establishes state and federal governments as "two sovereigns," meaning a defendant can be tried by both without violating double jeopardy.
The defense also failed in its attempt to postpone the state trial until after the federal proceedings. Mangione's lawyers contended that testifying in the state case could jeopardize his defense in the federal trial, where he faces a potential death penalty, and could violate his right against self-incrimination.
Following the ruling, a spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office stated, “We respect the Court’s decision and will proceed on the remaining nine counts, including Murder in the Second Degree.” In New York, a conviction for second-degree murder carries a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Mangione is scheduled to appear in state court again on December 1st.
The case has attracted significant public attention and political commentary. The killing of Thompson sparked a heated national debate about the U.S. healthcare system. Outside the courthouse on Tuesday, supporters of Mangione gathered, some wearing T-shirts with slogans like "FREE LUIGI." This scene mirrored his previous court appearances, highlighting the public's intense interest.
The political rhetoric surrounding the case has been amplified by the recent fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, referencing President Trump’s agenda, called Thompson’s death a "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination" and confirmed the Justice Department is seeking the death penalty against Mangione in the federal case.
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