Since his arrest on Dec. 9, 2024, at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Luigi Mangione has garnered immense support. Hailed as a folk hero and a new Robin Hood, Mangione has become the face of a broader movement advocating for reform in the United States. Outside his court appearance on Jan. 6, protesters braved the cold, holding signs that read “Free Luigi!” Posters depicting Mangione as Jesus Christ have surfaced, with his X account amassing over 500,000 followers.
Mangione hails from a prominent Italian-American family in Baltimore. After graduating as valedictorian from a prestigious high school, Mangione graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in computer engineering and science. He traveled extensively, maintaining close relationships with family and friends. And while he had a significant digital footprint for years, in the summer of 2024, he disappeared from public view. He was later arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, thrusting him into the national spotlight as a highly polarizing figure.
Despite Mangione’s overwhelming support, many have harshly criticized the positive response, condemning the admiration as unethical and shameful. Even before Mangione’s arrest, reactions to Thompson’s murder ranged from apathy to outright celebration. However, the backing of Mangione is not a mere fandom and should not be characterized as such. Rather, it is the result of long-simmering anger and disillusionment within American society. In a time when the healthcare system, corporations and the government are widely viewed as corrupt and exploitative, Mangione’s case reflects the daily struggles of many Americans.
First and foremost, murder must always be condemned. It is possible to denounce Thompson’s killing while still acknowledging the deeper issues that led to it. Understanding Mangione’s potential motives, personal struggles and the broader social factors at play is crucial. Rather than dismissing this act as “vigilante justice,” those in power should reflect on why such an event occurred in the first place. Vigilante justice should be avoided, but that will only be possible if the root issue is addressed. Another question that should be raised is why Thompson’s killing and Mangione’s message have resonated profoundly with so many. Major health insurance companies have erased their leadership pages from their websites. But the next step should not be increasing security — it should be taking accountability and addressing the systemic injuries that have harmed millions of Americans.
Thompson’s death has prompted many to share their own experiences with the U.S. healthcare system. One X user posted that, “UnitedHealthcare denied my surgery two days before it was scheduled. I was in the hospital finance office in tears.” In 2023, UnitedHealthcare settled a lawsuit filed by a gravely ill college student who claimed the company denied coverage for life-saving medication, leaving him with an $800,000 medical bill. Many supporters of Mangione also empathize with him due to his struggle with spondylolisthesis, a spinal disorder that caused him chronic pain even after surgery.
The U.S. healthcare system is notorious for its sky-high prices and inefficiency compared to other developed nations. American journalist Ken Klippenstein published the full text of Mangione’s handwritten note, widely described as a manifesto, found on him at the time of his arrest. While major news outlets have chosen to cherry-pick the most inflammatory lines, the text includes statements such as: “A reminder: the U.S. has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank #42 in life expectancy.” This issue is far from new, despite renewed protests calling for change. The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, sought to improve health insurance coverage, but it has faced criticism, particularly for the tax increases it introduced. While various efforts have been made to combat Big Pharma and soaring prescription drug prices, they have largely fallen short. The U.S. remains one of the most expensive places in the world to give birth, and essential medications like insulin and inhalers continue to be priced shockingly high. The healthcare system’s complexity leaves most Americans struggling or confused, as their access to healthcare is dictated by factors beyond their control, such as their insurance provider, pre-existing conditions, and even their address. When in the hospital, someone’s only concern should be their health, not their receipt. The last thing a recovering patient needs is to worry about whether they must choose between paying for dinner or their medical bill. The absurdity that Americans have to deal with simply to live is justification enough for the sentiments surrounding Mangione’s support.
Additionally, in a time where extremist billionaires have offices in the White House, it is not surprising that the public feels little compassion for the death of a man whose decisions may not have been in their best interest. Some argue that Thompson lacked true power, but the jarring reality is that he was the CEO of the largest healthcare insurer in America — one that actively fought against the Affordable Care Act. He wielded considerable influence. Under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare’s profits soared from $12 billion to $16 billion. He was not a mere “pawn” in the system but pivotal in shaping policies that affected millions. When authorities found Mangione’s backpack in Central Park, it contained only one item: monopoly money. This harrowing image stresses the grim reality that Americans’ lives have been altered by companies controlled by a handful of wealthy executives making decisions behind closed doors in their favor.
The backing of Mangione also stems from broader frustrations with wealth inequality and the disparities in how individuals are treated based on socioeconomic status. His widely publicized perp walk on Dec. 20 was criticized as an unnecessary spectacle, with some denouncing it as a “circus.” While Mangione has been charged with murder, others accused of far worse crimes have been handled with more politeness. For instance, Bryan Kohberger, the alleged killer of four University of Idaho students in 2022, was quietly taken into custody while wearing a bulletproof vest. The contrast in treatment raises saddening questions about how justice is administered based on the status of the victims. Mangione’s high-profile attorney, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, has accused the New York Police Department and Mayor Eric Adams of using her client as “political fodder” while pointing out the irony that Adams himself is under federal investigation for fraud and bribery, so he should “know more about the presumption of innocence that anybody.”
If the NYPD is attempting to portray Mangione as a terrorist or villain, they are failing miserably. Public perception plays a paramount role, and Mangione has cultivated an image of stone-faced confidence that strengthens his standing as a symbol of resistance. His alleged actions were far from ethical or proper, but they will be glorified in an age like this. His appearance has also contributed to his popularity—reports arose that he has received over 50 “love letters” in prison. Studies have shown that attractive individuals are often perceived more favorably, which has likely played a role in humanizing them. His friends and family have come out in interviews devastated at the news, describing him as “thoughtful.” Supporters have resurfaced old photos of him, further reinforcing his image as an ordinary, likable person rather than a villain. Most notably, Mangione represents many Americans’ frustrations toward those in power. Regardless of the verdict, his impact will not fade, as he has come to embody a demand for real change and an overhaul of the systems that Americans work and live under.
The grievances that fueled Mangione’s actions are not new. In 2011, the Occupy Wall Street movement emerged in response to economic inequality and corporate greed, inspiring efforts to raise the minimum wage. However, change has been slow, and those in power ignore the majority’s demands. This further contributes to Mangione’s slew of support — a long overdue shift.
It’s hypocritical for people to criticize the support Mangione has received. In a perfect world, supporting an alleged murderer would be unethical — and it is. Unfortunately, we live in a profoundly imperfect and flawed nation, and people suffer because of it. America’s government and health care system is far from ethical and lacks morality. A convicted felon holding the highest position of power in America does not set a very high precedent for ethics. If America continues down this path, violence as a form of resistance will increase. Attention must now be redirected from this case to pressuring for actual change, because America is falling far behind other nations. Most importantly, it’s letting down its own civilians.
Unfortunately, a time has been reached when people support an alleged murderer. The American people have been pleading politely for years; now they are yelling. President Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, inevitably increasing inflation. He promised during his campaign the opposite, but it is clear he has no regard for that. These tariffs serve to benefit him and his twisted economic fantasies. This is reason enough to acknowledge the corruption in our leadership. Not just those we see on television every day, but the people working behind doors dictating what food goes on our shelves and what price is printed on our receipts. Instead, the suspicious attitude toward Mangione’s support should be applied to those whose decisions affect us the most — presidents, politicians, healthcare leaders, businessmen, and many more. Mangione’s support is unethical, but our country’s foundations and leaders barely prioritize ethics in their business. Thus, his support is utterly justified to combat the growing healthcare and economic issues plaguing 99% of Americans. Until these systems improve for those it most gravely impacts, figures like Mangione will pop up again, and their support will only be more feverish.
