The first-degree murder charge brought against Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has raised eyebrows among legal experts. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's decision to pursue this charge, which under New York law typically requires specific circumstances like the victim being a police officer or the involvement of torture, has sparked debate. Prosecutors argue the killing was an act of terror, a claim some find tenuous.

Los Angeles-based criminal defense attorney Lara Yeretsian expressed skepticism, stating, "I just don’t see a jury convicting him of first-degree murder committed in furtherance of terrorism." She pointed to the public support Mangione has garnered, suggesting the charge could backfire on the prosecution. Mangione's defense attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, also raised concerns, highlighting a seeming contradiction between the state's terrorism theory and the federal government's separate stalking charges.

The federal charges, which include stalking, murder, and firearms offenses, do not mention terrorism but could potentially lead to the death penalty, an option unavailable in New York. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani questioned the terrorism charge, suggesting Mangione might be treated differently due to his victim's high profile. Prominent New York defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden echoed these sentiments, arguing that both the terrorism charge and any potential federal pursuit of the death penalty constitute overcharging.

Kenney Baden also criticized the public display surrounding Mangione's extradition, comparing it to a "Batman" movie scene and questioning whether it was appropriate given the frequency of murders in New York City. She speculated that the federal government's involvement might stem from both the victim's importance and a lack of trust in District Attorney Bragg, whose office recently failed to secure a conviction in the high-profile Daniel Penny case.

Mangione is scheduled to appear in court again next month. Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Kim has indicated the state murder case will proceed before any federal case. Mangione also faces charges in Pennsylvania related to firearms and a fake ID.