Luigi Mangione hearing: Judge dismisses terrorism charges, says evidence 'legally insufficient'

Terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione were dismissed Tuesday as he appeared in the New York state court in Manhattan, as judge Carro said the evidence was legally insufficient. This was Luigi's first appearance in a court in five months for a pretrial hearing for charges brought against him in the December 4, 2024 murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione has not pleaded guilty to any state or federal charges against him.

The verdict does not mean Mangione is exonerated, as he will still face second-degree murder charges.

During the hearing, Mangione's lawyers argued that the New York case and a parallel federal death penalty prosecution amounted to double jeopardy. But the judge rejected this argument and said it would be premature to make such a determination.

What does the verdict mean for Luigi Mangione?

Mangione now faces 15-years-to-life in the state case, rather than the 25 years to life without the possibility of parole that he had been facing.

He also faces the federal charges that carry a possible death penalty.