Fans of Luigi Mangione, the alleged assassin of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, are expressing outrage online that he may face the death penalty after being indicted on federal charges in Manhattan.
Mangione, 26, was charged with federal crimes of murder, stalking, and weapons violations, which could lead to him being sent to death row. Some are claiming that he may be facing worse punishment than hardened criminals and school shooters, with one user speculating that the government wants to make an example out of him to prevent a revolt against corporate America.
Fans are also pointing out that the government’s handling of the case, which included a perp walk straight out of a Hollywood film, is only increasing the public’s fascination with Mangione. Some are even creating fan art that depicts him as a religious figure.
Protesters also showed up outside a Pennsylvania court to support Mangione, with some even traveling as far as California to attend his court appearance. The alleged assassin is currently being held in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
