A New York state judge dismissed two criminal counts against Luigi Mangione on Tuesday, September 16, related to the December 2024 killing of health insurance executive Brian Thompson. However, Mangione, 27, remains charged with second-degree murder.
Justice Gregory Carro announced the decision in a Manhattan courtroom shortly after Mangione appeared handcuffed and shackled, dressed in prison attire. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal charges in connection with the shooting of Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was killed outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel during an investor conference.
The case has attracted significant public attention amid rising concerns about political violence in the U.S., following the recent killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk’s suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, is expected to face formal state charges in Utah.
While Thompson’s murder was widely condemned by officials from across the political spectrum, Mangione has gained a following among some Americans frustrated by high healthcare costs. Supporters, including one dressed as the Nintendo character Luigi, gathered outside the courthouse, advocating for healthcare as a human right.
No trial dates have been set yet in either the state or federal proceedings. Mangione remains in federal custody in Brooklyn.
Leave a Reply