Luigi Mangione Terrorism Charges Dismissed in Health Care…

Luigi Mangione is no longer a terrorism suspect. In a decision that surprised a packed courtroom, New York State Judge Gregory Caro ruled that two counts, one each of first and second-degree murder, charging the now-infamous murder suspect with terrorism-related offenses were “legally insufficient” and dismissed them.

The decision was made at a hearing on Tuesday (Sept. 16).

Several other state charges against Mangione for the alleged murder of health care executive Brian Thompson, including a separate count of second-degree murder, remain.

The now-dismissed charges were first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism”; and second-degree murder “as a crime of terrorism.” Mangione’s attorneys, Karen and Marc Agnfilo and Jacob Kaplan, had also claimed that their client was the victim of double jeopardy, as he is currently facing both state and federal charges. Judge Caro said it was premature for him to rule on that.

The next hearing in the case will be on December 1.

Mangione showed up for the hearing in a tan prison jumpsuit and blue slippers, with his arms and legs shackled. Some of his supporters who made it inside the courtroom said they had been waiting in line for around 30 hours. During the hearing, additional supporters rallied outside.

Mangione was arrested on December 9 of last year and charged with the murder of Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, after a nationwide manhunt. Thompson had been gunned down in New York City five days prior.

In addition to New York State’s case against him, Mangione faces a separate federal case, which itself contains one count of murder through use of a firearm. The next hearing in that case, for which Mangione faces the death penalty, is set for December 5.