Summary:
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The New York judge dismissed terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione for fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
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Prosecutors failed to prove Mangione attempted to intimidate the public or influence government action, leading to mixed reactions.
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Mangione still faces nine other charges, including second-degree murder, with federal prosecutors seeking the death penalty in December.
A New York judge has dismissed the most serious terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, sparking a mix of reactions online. Justice Gregory Carro ruled that the terrorism-related counts, including first-degree murder tied to terrorism, were legally insufficient. Under New York law, prosecutors must show a defendant attempted to intimidate the public or influence government action — a standard Carro found was not met.
The Manhattan DA’s office had argued Mangione intended to create a spectacle, describing the attack as a targeted murder meant to shock and intimidate, but the judge disagreed, leaving the internet divided. Some expressed outrage, questioning the fairness of the legal system, while others celebrated the dismissal, saying he did nothing wrong. Although this is a win for Mangione, he still faces nine other charges, including second-degree murder and weapons violations, with federal prosecutors seeking the death penalty; his next hearing is December 1.
