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“Villain or hero?” – How global media has responded to Luigi Mangione

19 December 20249 views0

Memes, essays, psychological analysis… everyone has had something to say about Luigi Mangione.

The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate has been charged with the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson. The incident occurred on December 9, 2024, outside a Manhattan hotel. Mangione’s actions are believed to have been driven by his disdain for the health insurance industry and its executives.

Following a five-day manhunt, Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. He now faces multiple charges at both state and federal levels. State charges include first-degree murder and murder as an act of terrorism, which could lead to life imprisonment without parole if convicted. Federally, he is charged with murder through the use of a firearm, using a silencer during a violent crime, and interstate stalking. These federal charges carry the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Prosecutors argue that Mangione’s attack was meticulously planned to cause shock and intimidation, aiming to “sow terror” within the healthcare industry. Evidence supporting this includes shell casings at the crime scene inscribed with messages critical of the insurance sector. Despite some public support labeling him a folk hero against high healthcare costs, law enforcement officials have condemned any attempts to justify his actions.

Mangione’s defense attorney contends that he has been overcharged and plans to contest the allegations in court. The defense also raises concerns about potential conflicting theories between the state and federal cases. As the legal proceedings advance, Mangione remains in custody, awaiting further court appearances.

At the crime scene, Mangione reportedly left behind bullet casings engraved with the words “deny”, “depose”, and “defend” – a supposed reference to the US’s approach to healthcare and the book Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. Largely unreported by most mainstream media outlets, particularly in America, is his “manifesto”, which explains his actions –

US media has been frantically portraying Mangione through the lens of terror, scrambling to blame video games for his behaviour – while UK media appears to be divided along its usual line of the right leaning towards a similar stance, and the left adopting a more neutral approach to his reasoning and actions.