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Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old former Ivy League student accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is currently being held in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson | Image/AP
After UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside a hotel in New York City early on December 4, people flooded social media with celebratory posts and even shared grievances over denied health insurance claims. Many shockingly celebrated his murder suspect, Luigi Mangione, as a hero, a celebrity and a crush. In response to this “narratives of hate” trend, US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said that not only it is “extraordinarily alarming” but also pointed out the troubling trend of how people are normalising violence and glorifying extremism.
“The rhetoric on social media following that, that murder is extraordinarily alarming. It speaks of what is really bubbling here in this country, and unfortunately we see that manifested in violence, the domestic violent extremism that exists,” Mayorkas told Margaret Brennan during an appearance on CBS News show “Face the Nation”.
Mayorkas further expressed concern over the “heroism” attributed to Mangione, saying, “I still am alarmed, though, by the heroism that is being attributed to an alleged murderer of a father of two children on the streets in New York City.”
“We’ve seen personal grievances in the language of violence, accompanying or being a part of those narratives,” Mayorkas further expressed.
When asked if Mangione could be classified as a terrorist, Mayorkas declined to comment.
How did social media react to Brian Thompson’s murder?
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson triggered a polarising reaction on social media.
“Sending prior authorisation, denied claims, collections & prayers to his family,” wrote one social media user in response to the CEO’s murder, mocking the hurdles faced by patients.
Read| UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder Shocks The World And The Internet Isn’t Holding Back
Another said, “I’m sorry. Prior authorisation is required for thoughts and prayers.”
“I can’t even pretend to care. I hope he’s looking up at us,” expressed a third.
A fourth posted, “It’s crazy what my first thought was and then I look at the comments and realise I’m not alone in my thoughts.”
“I just can’t find the care. Maybe if they ask for preapproval of my care. Then after they care their required deductible, I might be able to supplement some care,” wrote yet another social media user with a dash of sarcasm and frustration.
‘Justifiable homicide’: Internet hails Mangione as a hero
Not only people have justified the CEO’s murder, but also celebrated the suspect, Luigi Mangione, as a hero, a celebrity, and even a crush. Merchandise featuring Mangione’s likeness and name were up for sale on several websites, including caps with slogans like “CEO Hunter” printed across a bullseye and T-shirts with phrases such as “FREE LUIGI” and “In This House, Luigi Mangione Is A Hero, End of Story”.
Some even swooned over his photogenic smile and six-pack abs.
Adding to the disturbing trend, individuals crowdfunded Mangione’s legal defense, with some calling the killing a “justifiable homicide”.
One donor commented, “Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets charged with that crime.”
Many others echoed the phrase, “Deny, Defend, Depose,” words inscribed on the shell casings found at the murder scene.
Also Read| Internet ‘Ships’ Suspect Luigi Mangione With Viral Cambridge Academic, She Responds
Mangione, a 26-year-old former Ivy League student, is currently in federal custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the same facility where Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly being held. He faces four federal charges, including firearm offenses, stalking, and the murder of Thompson. If convicted, Mangione could face the death penalty.
According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Mangione was apprehended after an employee at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania spotted him and alerted authorities. In addition to a firearm, police recovered clothing and a mask consistent with those worn by the suspect, as well as a fraudulent New Jersey ID. Tisch revealed that the same ID was used by Mangione to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting.
