Federal Prosecutors Consider Additional Charges Against UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Killer
In addition to state murder charges already filed, federal prosecutors are looking into whether to file additional criminal charges against Luigi Mangione, the suspect charged in gunning down UnitedHealthcare’s CEO outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Federal Charges Considered
As of now, the Manhattan District Attorney’s charges against Mangione would have priority, and any possible future federal charge or charges would be second in prosecution order. A decision regarding federal charges could come soon, sources told NBC New York.
Potential Charges Explained
The potential for federal charges comes a day after Manhattan prosecutors announced Mangione had been indicted on charges of murder as an act of terrorism in the death of CEO Brian Thompson. The Manhattan DA’s office is using a 9/11-era anti-terrorism law in their case, as a state law allows for stiffer sentences when a killing is aimed at terrifying civilians or influencing government.
The Anti-Terrorism Law
Mangione is charged with first-degree and second-degree murder counts that specifically refer to a New York law that addresses terrorism. Essentially an add-on to existing criminal statutes, it says that an underlying offense constitutes “a crime of terrorism” if it’s done “with intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion or affect the conduct of a unit of government by murder, assassination or kidnapping.”
What Does it Do?
If a defendant is convicted, the “crime of terrorism” designation boosts the underlying offense into a more serious sentencing category. For example, an assault normally punishable by up to 25 years in prison would carry a potential life sentence. Mangione would face a possible life sentence if convicted.
Why Prosecutors Say the Anti-Terrorism Law Applies
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg put it simply: “The intent was to sow terror." The Democratic prosecutor noted that the shooting unfolded early on a workday in a heavily trafficked business and tourist area, and he mentioned Mangione’s writings, while declining to get more specific.
Mangione’s Side
His New York attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has declined to comment.
History of the Law
State lawmakers passed the anti-terrorism law in 2001, six days after the Sept. 11 attacks, saying the state needed "legislation that is specifically designed to combat the evils of terrorism" and that wasn’t just for federal courts. Many other states passed similar laws around the same time, and Congress approved the Patriot Act.
Has New York’s Anti-Terror Law Been Used Before?
There’s no comprehensive count of cases where the anti-terrorism statute was used, because it can be layered onto many different types of charges, from weapons possession to murder. The specific first-degree murder “in furtherance of an act of terrorism” charge against Mangione has been the top count in only three other cases statewide, according to the Division of Criminal Justice Services.
Conclusion
The potential for federal charges against Luigi Mangione comes as a surprise to many, but it highlights the seriousness of the crime and the potential consequences for the suspect. The anti-terrorism law has been used in various cases in New York, and it’s likely that it will continue to be used in the future to combat terrorism and related crimes.
FAQs
Q: What is the anti-terrorism law?
A: The anti-terrorism law is a New York law that allows for stiffer sentences when a killing is aimed at terrifying civilians or influencing government.
Q: What are the potential charges against Luigi Mangione?
A: Mangione is charged with first-degree and second-degree murder counts that specifically refer to a New York law that addresses terrorism.
Q: What is the potential sentence for Mangione if convicted?
A: Mangione would face a possible life sentence if convicted.
Q: Has the anti-terrorism law been used before in New York?
A: Yes, the anti-terrorism law has been used in various cases in New York, including plots to bomb synagogues or open fire on their congregants, and a plan to build pipe bombs to try to undermine public support for the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
