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Luigi Mangione, 26, an Ivy League graduate who comes from a wealthy family, is accused of killing UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.
Luigi Mangione has become a hero to some frustrated with the US healthcare system following the murder of Brian Thompson. (Reuters)
Luigi Mangione, 26, an Ivy League graduate who comes from a prominent Maryland family, is currently in the news after being charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare and father of two. However, for many he has become a local hero, a celebrity and a heartthrob.
After his arrest on December 9, 2024 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Luigi was charged with second-degree murder. He was found to be in possession of a ghost gun, a silencer and several fake IDs. Authorities also found a three-page handwritten manifesto in which he detailed his grievances with the American economy and was believed to be the motivation for his alleged attack.
However, Luigi has become a controversial figure in America, with over a thousand donations donated to his legal defense, including messages of support and even celebrating Thompson's murder. More than $31,000 had been raised on GiveSendGo alone as of Wednesday.
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Supporters say “justifiable murder” and launch Mangione merchandise
In New York, where Thompson was killed outside a hotel, wanted posters of CEOs could be seen on the walls. Several websites sell Luigi Mangione merchandise, including hats emblazoned with “CEO Hunter” in black, and social media users rave about his photogenic smile and six-pack abs.
Since Luigi's arrest on Monday, over $31,000 has been raised on the GiveSendGo platform alone to cover his legal fees. Many of the messages on the platform reflected deep frustration with America's health care system, where patients can be denied exorbitant treatments and reimbursements based on their insurance coverage, amid anger over rising income inequality and executive pay.
“Denying people health insurance is murder, but no one is charged with this crime,” one donor wrote, calling the killing a “justified murder.” Several others simply wrote “Deny, defend, deny” – the words written on bullet casings found at the scene.
Anonymous donors also supported Mangione on a December 4 New Jersey Judiciary Committee fundraising page that has raised nearly $30,000 as of Wednesday, according to the New York Post. “We are not here to celebrate violence, but we believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation,” the group wrote.
Users on TikTok shared videos and photos of Mangione's recent outburst with laudatory messages such as “This man is an absolute legend” and “Class consciousness is rising.” Several websites sold T-shirts with his face and slogans such as “FREE LUIGI” and “In this House, Luigi Mangione is a hero, end of story”.
Dismay at the support of Luigi Mangione
Several people expressed dismay at the reaction to Luigi's arrest and the overwhelming support for him. “They made him a martyr for all the problems people were having with their own insurance companies. I mean, who hasn't had problems with their insurance? But he’s a stone-cold killer,” said Felipe Rodriguez, a former NYPD detective sergeant.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Monday condemned those who valued Mangione, calling the reaction “deeply disturbing.” “In America, we don’t kill people in cold blood to settle political differences or express a point of view,” he said.
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Mangione, who reportedly suffered from chronic back pain that interfered with his daily life, had criticized the American health care system in his social media posts, saying that big corporations' profits continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not increase. He is being held in Pennsylvania on weapons and document forgery charges while prosecutors in New York seek his extradition. His attorney said he plans to plead not guilty to the Pennsylvania charges.
People pay more for health care in the United States than in any other country, and there has been a significant increase in spending on insurance premiums, deductibles, medications and hospital services over the past five years, according to government data. However, patients are denied their benefits and often face unexpected costs that should be covered by their health insurance, adding to their burden as the cost of living increases.
Thompson, who became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, is survived by his wife, Paulette, and two children. Paulette had previously said her husband was threatened before his murder.
(with agency input)
- Location :
New York, United States of America (USA)
