New York: In a dramatic legal turn, a federal judge in Manhattan has dismissed the most serious charges against Luigi Mangione, the 27-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The ruling removes the murder and related firearms charges that could have exposed Mangione to the death penalty, fundamentally reshaping the course of one of the most high-profile criminal cases in recent U.S. history.
The decision, handed down by Judge Margaret Garnett, concluded that the federal indictment’s framing of the murder and weapons counts was legally insufficient. While prosecutors had presented evidence linking Mangione to Thompson’s fatal shooting in December 2024, the judge determined that the allegations under federal statutes were flawed, leaving only lesser charges intact. This ruling represents a significant setback for the government’s case in federal court.
Despite the dismissal, Mangione still faces ongoing federal stalking charges, which allege that his conduct contributed to the death of Thompson. Prosecutors maintain that these counts carry substantial penalties, though none approach the severity of the dismissed murder and firearms charges. State-level charges in New York, including second-degree murder and weapons offenses, also remain active, ensuring that Mangione’s legal battles are far from over.
The case has attracted intense public and media attention, not only because of Thompson’s prominence in the healthcare industry but also due to unusual incidents surrounding the accused. Authorities recently arrested a Minnesota man who allegedly attempted to impersonate an FBI agent to help Mangione escape from custody, highlighting the case’s notoriety and the fervent interest of fringe supporters.
Jury selection for the federal case, now significantly narrowed in scope, is scheduled for September 2026. In the months leading up to trial, courts are expected to address numerous pretrial motions, including disputes over evidence admissibility and procedural challenges raised by Mangione’s defense team. These rulings could further influence how the case unfolds in the courtroom.
The original crime, which occurred outside a Manhattan conference in December 2024, stunned the business world. Brian Thompson, a leading figure in the U.S. health insurance sector, was shot in a targeted attack that authorities described as meticulously planned. Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania after a multi-day search, and he has consistently pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Legal experts say the judge’s dismissal underscores the high standards federal prosecutors must meet when pursuing murder and firearms charges, particularly in cases involving potential capital punishment. While the ruling does not end Mangione’s criminal exposure, it removes the government’s most severe tools for seeking maximum penalties.