Luigi Mangione, the Ivy League graduate accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has garnered a surprising level of attention and support while awaiting trial.
At a glance:
- Mangione has received over 140 messages, 163 commissary deposits, and significant online attention from admirers.
- Many supporters view him as a symbol of resistance against corporate greed in America.
- Critics, including the NYPD, have condemned the public celebration of the alleged murder.
- Mangione faces state and federal charges that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty.
According to reports from the New York Post and corrections officials, Mangione has received dozens of letters and emails from supporters, along with over 100 commissary deposits, during his time in prison.
The correspondence, described by some as “love letters,” has been amplified on social media platforms like TikTok, where admirers praise Mangione’s appearance and alleged actions.
“It feels cathartic and sexy to want to do something and then do it—I mean writing a letter,” one TikTok user shared. Another posted, “The internet is actually in love with you,” alongside a screenshot of a message she sent to Mangione.
The phenomenon extends beyond letters. Supporters have tattooed his likeness, and a University of Pennsylvania Professor reportedly referred to him as an “icon.” Two documentaries about Mangione are reportedly in development, and a legal defense fund on GiveSendGo has raised over $100,000 after other platforms removed similar fundraisers.
The charges against Mangione
Mangione faces multiple charges, including state-level murder as an act of terrorism and federal charges of murder, stalking, and weapons offenses. He is accused of fatally shooting Thompson on December 4 in Midtown Manhattan outside the Hilton Hotel, just before the CEO was scheduled to speak at an investor conference.
A notebook found on Mangione during his arrest allegedly contained pages expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives. Authorities claim the writings reflect a possible motive tied to grievances with corporate America.
Mangione, who was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being recognized by a McDonald’s customer, has pleaded not guilty to related forgery and weapons charges in Pennsylvania. He was extradited to New York, where he now awaits trial at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
Outrage from law enforcement and critics
The public fascination with Mangione has drawn sharp criticism. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned the celebration of the alleged murder, stating, “There is no heroism in what Mangione did.”
The case has sparked debate over the boundaries between social grievances and the glorification of violent crime, with critics warning that such admiration could embolden others with similar views.
What’s next?
Mangione is scheduled to appear in court on January 18, 2025. If convicted of state charges, he faces life imprisonment without parole. Federal charges add the possibility of the death penalty.
The legal proceedings are likely to draw significant public attention, with both supporters and detractors watching closely. Meanwhile, Mangione’s growing notoriety highlights the complex intersection of crime, public sentiment, and societal discontent.
