In the days since Luigi Mangione was charged with the murder of a top health insurance executive, Brian Thompson, an online fundraiser for his legal defense has received over a thousand donations, with many messages supporting him and even celebrating the crime. The reaction is largely fueled by frustration and anger over the US healthcare system, which many see as corrupt and exploitative.
Posts on Facebook and Twitter express outrage over rising healthcare costs, insurance company greed, and corporate power. Some donors and social media users see Mangione as a hero, citing his resentment towards the insurance industry and the alleged mistreatment of patients.
Merchandise featuring Mangione’s image and messages such as “CEOA Hunter” and “Deny, Defend, Depose” are being sold online, and some have even created “Wanted” posters with the faces of CEOs, similar to a comic book action figure. A tweet that read “Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets charged with that crime” has received over 50,000 likes.
However, others have criticized the reaction as dangerous and misguided, with some pointing out that Mangione’s privileged background, as a member of a prominent family, is vastly different from that of the victim, a working-class individual from rural Iowa.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has condemned the reaction, calling it “deeply disturbing” and stating that “in America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint.” UnitedHealthcare CEO Andrew Witty praised the victim, Brian Thompson, as “one of the good guys” in a letter to employees.
As the case continues to unfold, experts are discussing the root causes of the reaction, including the rising costs of healthcare, income inequality, and the growing frustration with the healthcare system.
