A judge in New York has thrown out two murder charges against Luigi Mangione that were linked to state-level terrorism laws.

The charges in question involved first-degree murder to further an act of terrorism and second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism. The judge found that the evidence presented by state prosecutors to the grand jury was insufficient to demonstrate that Mangione had the intent to “intimidate and coerce a civilian population” or to influence government policy, criteria necessary to meet the definition of state terrorism charges.

Despite the dismissal, Mangione still faces a range of serious allegations, including a charge of second-degree murder. Additionally, he is confronted with federal charges which could potentially lead to a death penalty sentence.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed federal prosecutors to pursue the death penalty, marking the first time the Trump administration has made such a directive. While New York has abolished the death penalty, Mangione’s legal team is challenging the federal death penalty pursuit, calling it a politically motivated action.

Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty, which marks the first such directive by the Trump administration. New York, where the murder occurred, has abolished the death penalty, and Mangione’s lawyers are attempting to block the federal death penalty pursuit, arguing the move is a political stunt.

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[Feature Photo: Luigi Mangione is escorted into Manhattan Criminal court for his arraignment on state murder and terror charges in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)]