On Monday, the 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was named as the individual suspected in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Almost instantly, the online world responded with a blend of intrigue and curiosity about the young man.
When the news of the shooting initially emerged last Wednesday, social media quickly voiced not only disbelief but also a stark absence of compassion for the victim. The event triggered a surge of jokes and memes, many driven by widespread irritation with the healthcare system and animosity toward corporate elites.
As further information regarding the situation became available, the online commotion intensified. Reports disclosed that the ammunition found with the suspect bore the inscriptions “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” — terms commonly linked to tactics utilized by insurance firms. Furthermore, an early image of Mangione led to comparisons with actors Timothée Chalamet and Jake Gyllenhaal, enhancing his infamy. Social media users began referring to him as “The Adjuster” in fan fiction and even labeled him a “folk hero.”
The unveiling of Mangione’s identity and background only stoked the flames. Young, conventionally attractive, and with shirtless images circulating online, Mangione’s online persona became a central point of interest. He was said to admire controversial podcaster Andrew Huberman and was an aspiring reader of Ayn Rand, whose works have shaped many contemporary conservatives. These particulars sparked a tidal wave of memes, jokes, and even a fancam dedicated to the suspect.
The trend of romanticizing alleged offenders is not unprecedented. The concept of “hybristophilia” refers to a sexual attraction to those who commit crimes, with notorious figures like Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy long being subjects of such infatuation. Psychologists propose that this attraction may arise from a desire to “fix” the criminal or a heightened form of zealotry. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that Mangione, similarly to many historically romanticized criminals, is white. The internet’s reaction could have been significantly different if the suspect were a person of color, considering the implicit biases surrounding who is viewed as a criminal.
The identity of the victim has also shaped public perception. On the very day Mangione’s name was disclosed, Daniel Penny was found not guilty in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man. While Mangione has received expressions of sympathy and even admiration online, the same level of public backing has not accompanied Penny’s situation. This contrast underscores how the status of the victim — in this instance, a wealthy CEO in contrast to a vulnerable homeless individual — can influence the narrative.
Mangione’s suspected political motivations have added another layer of complexity to the public’s reaction. Reports suggest that he possessed a manifesto denouncing healthcare corporations for prioritizing profits over people. A source close to the suspect indicated that Mangione had endured severe back pain for years, potentially fueling his resentment toward the healthcare system. This sentiment resonates with numerous Americans who have encountered similar challenges, crossing political boundaries. Consequently, individuals from various political affiliations have rallied around Mangione as an emblem of opposition to corporate avarice.
While many details about the case remain unclear and a trial is forthcoming, the internet’s captivation with Luigi Mangione shows no signs of diminishing. For better or worse, the suspect has evolved into a contentious figure — part folk hero, part object of fascination — in a tale that continues to enthrall the public.