Two New York State terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the killer of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, were dismissed yesterday.
The judge found the evidence presented by prosecutors insufficient.
Prosecutors had argued that the murder of an executive of the largest US health insurance company in front of a Manhattan hotel where the company was holding its annual shareholder meeting constituted terrorism because of the ideological motive and the global prominence of New York City.
The 27-year-old Mangione still faces state second-degree murder charges as well as federal charges and almost certainly will be convicted.
He is accused of shooting Thompson in the back on the morning of 4 December with a 9mm, 3D-printed ghost gun equipped with a suppressor. Indicating a motive of rage at denial of health care cost coverage, “delay” was written on a bullet and “deny” and “depose” on two casings.
When arrested five days later in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Mangione had in his possession a three-page screed he wrote by hand that police described as hostile to corporations. It reportedly included the lines “the parasites had it coming” and “I do apologize for any strife and trauma but it had to be done.”
Mangione had suffered from acute back pain and grown distant from his affluent family and friends in the months leading up to the Thompson assassination.
He has become a cult figure for a small segment of crackpots and conspiracy theorists championing his message of vengeance against the health insurance industry.
At each stage of pre-trial proceedings in Manhattan, Mangione supporters have gathered nearby to show support.
Before yesterday’s hearing, several dozen supporters gathered across the street, waving signs and chanting slogans against the health insurance industry.
Even when Mangione was unidentified and on the run prior to his arrest, he was presented as a hero on social media.
Since his capture, he has been deluged with fan mail in his jail cell and received donations amounting to over $500,000 for his legal defense.
He issued a statement on a website set up for him by his lawyers saying he was “overwhelmed” and “grateful” for the support.
The website includes information about how to contact him.
Pro-Mangione graffiti has appeared countrywide. His image has been projected on buildings
Mangione merchandise has been sold on major e-commerce sites before being removed.
The entertainment industry and mainstream media at times have pandered to spirit of vigilantism and violence against health insurance industry executives aroused by Mangione. For instance, applause erupted in the studio when Mangione’s name was mentioned provocatively in a Saturday Night Live sketch.
The general public’s response to the brazen killing of the 50-year-old Thompson, who was married with two children, has been a disturbing mix of sympathy for the victim and his family and “understanding” for Mangione.
Despite being victimized, UnitedHealth has been placed on the defensive in public relations.
Targeted murders of corporate executives are rare in the US.
This service is concerned that more of them will be targeted amid the climate of violence that has seen a sharp increase in sometimes deadly attacks on political figures of the right and left in this decade, not least the shooting murder of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk on 10 September.
Corporations in all sectors should comprehensively review and where prudent bolster executive protection. Access controls also should be kept up to spec.
