Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was murdered in broad daylight on Dec. 4 in Manhattan, New York (NY). The suspect, Luigi Mangione, is now in custody, but his arrest ignited a fierce debate, with supporters of the “Free Luigi” camp framing him as a symbol of resistance to corporate healthcare systems.
The words “delay,” “deny,” and “depose” were etched onto the shell casings from the bullets used to shoot Thompson, which heightened national interest in the case. The phrase is similar to the title of the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. Authorities allege that 26-year-old Mangione viewed the shooting as a symbolic act of rebellion against the healthcare industry and corporate America.
Mangione allegedly fled the scene following the shooting, sparking a days-long interstate manhunt. Law enforcement found several clues, including a security camera image from a New Jersey hostel the suspect allegedly checked into on Nov. 30. The search ended on Dec. 9 in Altoona, Pennsylvania (PA) when Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s after an employee called 9-1-1. At the time of his arrest, the FBI and the NYPD were offering up to $60,000 for information. Police found a manifesto, multiple fake IDs, and a gun with a suppressor when they searched Mangione, whose name was released by New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch later that day.
Mangione’s PA lawyer, Thomas Dickey, maintains that authorities haven’t produced concrete evidence connecting Mangione to the shooting. Mangione also hired Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a prominent former prosecutor, to represent him in NY.
The highest charge was initially second-degree murder, but Mangione was later indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder charges in addition to the two counts of second-degree murder, one of which is for killing in an act of terrorism. Under NY law, first-degree murder only applies when there are certain aggravating circumstances, such as murdering a judge or police officer or intent to commit terrorism, which opens up the possibility of the first-degree charge.
Tisch stated that authorities are continuing to investigate Mangione’s motive. Chronic back problems and a 2023 emergency room visit may indicate a personal vendetta. The anti-corporatist manifesto, however, suggests that Mangione was ideologically motivated. Thompson’s wife Paulette informed NBC News that he had faced threats, citing a lack of coverage as a possible motive.
The speculation that Mangione was motivated by ideology has sparked broader debates about access to healthcare and the industry’s accountability. UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the US, has faced mounting public criticism for denying roughly a third of its claims. According to Math teacher Mr. Justin Nowell, whose Financial Math course includes a unit on insurance, 44% of Americans don’t have adequate health insurance.
Regardless of the true motivation and morality of Mangione’s alleged crime, it may reveal a shift in public opinion. According to Emerson College Polling, 41% of voters under 30 years old find the shooting at least somewhat acceptable. Many young Americans have posted pro-Mangione content online, with “#Free Luigi” trending on platforms like X. Additionally, several crowdfunded defense funds were established, demonstrating that many Americans are hesitant to condemn the act of violence. According to Newsweek, this is due to its perception as justified vengeance. While some online have embraced Mangione as a Robinhood figure, Newsweek pointed out that Mangione comes from a wealthy family, involved in the healthcare industry.
Mangione was extradited to NY and first appeared in federal court on Dec. 19. He now faces state charges in NY and PA as well as federal charges. The federal charges, including multiple stalking and firearms offenses, carry the possibility of the death penalty.
“We are ready to fight these charges in whatever court they are brought,” said attorney Friedman Agnifilo.
