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The defendant scored a major courtroom win on Tuesday after a judge dropped the two top state counts facing him: first-degree murder and intentional killing, each of which prosecutors had argued were acts of terror.

Remaining Counts and Federal Case

The accused still faces an additional second-degree murder count, as well as a national homicide accusation, in the killing of the health insurance executive Brian Thompson in December of last year.

The judge handling the defendant’s state trial, Gregory Carro, detailed his decision in a formal document that was published during a brief hearing in a New York courtroom on Tuesday.

“Counts 1 and 2, accusing defendant with Murder in the First Degree (in furtherance of an act of terrorism) and Murder in the Second Degree as a Crime of Terrorism, are thrown out as not supported by law,” the judge wrote.

Federal Accusations and Legal Appearance

The suspect also is charged with federal charges for reportedly shooting Thompson near a lodging establishment, as well as firearm-related charges.

He entered the New York court just before 9:30am, wearing tan prison clothing, with handcuffed wrists and chained feet. The hearing came six days after the rightwing commentator Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an appearance at Utah Valley University.

Politicized Context and National Response

Although a reason in Kirk’s shooting remains unknown, right-leaning voices have used the incident to demand the investigation of progressive political groups. The former president has demanded the capital punishment against the alleged Kirk killer, Tyler Robinson, and his justice department is seeking the death penalty for the defendant.

The US attorney general, Pam Bondi, called Thompson’s killing “a premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that stunned America”. Bondi said her decision was in alignment with “the administration’s goals to reduce violent crime and improve national security”.

The homicide ignited a heated public discussion about American medical systems that drew reactions from both sides, with certain voices supporting Mangione and criticizing medical corporations and many others angered that a murder would be used to express political grievances.

Backers Assemble Outside Courtroom

During the hearing near the Manhattan courthouse courtroom, as with his prior court appearances, those backing the defendant assembled for a glimpse of him, queuing for courtroom seats and using yellow index cards that secured access. A female attendee wore a black T-shirt displaying “FREE LUIGI” and a second a light-colored shirt reading “LUIGI’S PIZZA”.