Overview

• A New York judge on Tuesday dismissed terrorism-related counts against Luigi Mangione, leaving a single second-degree murder charge that carries a maximum, not mandatory, life sentence.
• In his opinion, the judge concluded UnitedHealthcare employees do not constitute a legally cognizable civilian population under the state terrorism statute.
• Separate federal and Pennsylvania cases continue, with federal prosecutors indicating they will seek the death penalty.
• Public backing has swelled, with about 35,000 donors giving roughly $1.2 million and courthouse rallies promoting “jury nullification,” though legal experts say such a verdict is unlikely even if a single holdout could force a mistrial.
• Federal prosecutors warned that praise for Mangione is fueling copycat violence, citing the July 28 Park Avenue mass shooting by Shane Tamura, while commentators describe a broader dehumanization trend amplified by social media.