A New York State judge has dismissed two charges against Luigi Mangione. After shooting and killing the CEO of United Healthcare, Brian Thompson, in December, Mangione has been accused of terrorism, 2nd degree murder, and several other federal charges. Now, two of those charges of terrorism will not go to court following a recent ruling.
Magione’s terrorism charges were dismissed on the basis that they did not fit the legal definition of terrorism. According to the judge, they lacked “intent to intimidate or coerce.” Many people applauded the decision, which was shared in a video by the BBC on TikTok.
“About damn time. UnitedHealth, especially their shareholders, CEO, and board, should be charged with terrorism against American citizens,” one TikTok user commented. “Calling it terrorism when he hasn’t even been fully tried yet. Calling it terrorism when most civilians felt safer after the incident he ALLEGEDLY caused,” one user says. “The only people who felt fear were the ones who had done something wrong to feel like they’d be next.”
Others echoed many of these sentiments, claiming Mangione is still innocent until proven guilty. Some users argued the justification of the crime and that his charges should be lowered. “Allegedly, the only crime he committed is murder, and it should be illegal to try and stack false charges on his head just because they don’t like him,” one user commented. Another cited legality, trying to rationalize the original charges. “The charge of terrorism was for show,” they said. “I figured those would be dropped. They need to prove intent was to TERRORIZE the company, and it seems it was a revenge plot and personal… If they allowed those charges to stand, they risked the whole case.”
Other viewers had less to say, but said plenty with what they did write. “He was a great guy. What murder?” One user commented.
