A New York judge, on Tuesday, dismissed two state terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year, saying there was “insufficient” evidence provided.
Justice Gregory Carro of the New York Court of Claims dropped the two terrorism charges, murder in the second degree as an act of terrorism and murder in the first degree in furtherance of terrorism, but maintained the murder in the second degree charge.
In his ruling, Carro said there was “no indication in the statute that a murder committed for ideological reasons (in this case, the defendant’s apparent desire to draw attention to what he perceived as inequities or greed within the American health care system), fits within the definition of terrorism, without establishing the necessary element of an intent to intimidate or coerce.”
Prosecutors in the Manhattan district attorney’s office had brought a slew of charges against Mangione last December after a nearly five-day manhunt ended in the arrest of the 27-year-old, who is accused of shooting Thompson, the former CEO of the largest health insurance company in the country.
They argued the terrorism charges were appropriate because Mangione allegedly “targeted” Thompson, who was leading the recognizable healthcare company, and conducted the shooting in front of the hotel where it was going to hold its annual investor conference in New York City.
Lawyers for Mangione argued that the terrorism charge amounted to “double jeopardy” because Mangione is facing state charges in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as federal charges. Carro rejected that argument while ruling in favor of Mangione.
While the terrorism charges have been dropped, Mangione still faces a second-degree murder charge and eight weapon-related charges in the New York case.
Appearing in Manhattan Criminal Court in a tan jumpsuit, Mangione solemnly walked by flashing cameras – a familiar sight for the high-profile homicide case.
From the moment Thompson was fatally shot outside the Manhattan hotel and an intense manhunt for the suspected shooter began, the case has garnered national attention. At each new development, more eyes have been drawn to the shooting, which has shone a spotlight on the U.S.’s health care cost crisis.
But if not for the interest of the case itself, much of the attention is on the large fan base Mangione has attracted.
Each time Mangione appears in court, opponents and supporters flock to the courthouse to express their opinion of the accused killer. On Tuesday, fans adorned in “Free Luigi” t-shirts and carrying supportive messages on signs stood outside to advocate for Mangione.
This is a breaking news story, more follows…
