The recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione has sparked an unexpected wave of support for the alleged shooter, with many Americans rallying behind him. Mangione, who evaded capture for several days before being apprehended at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, is now facing charges for the murder. However, despite the evidence against him, a significant portion of the American public appears to sympathize with his actions.
The slogan “deny, defend, depose,” which was allegedly inscribed on the bullets used in the killing, has become a rallying cry for those who feel deeply dissatisfied with the U.S. healthcare system. This sentiment is fueling the support for Mangione, with a legal fund quickly gaining traction. In just a few days, the campaign raised over $47,000, surpassing donations from people who view Mangione’s alleged crime as a form of protest against what they perceive as a corrupt and failing healthcare system.
Many donors are using the campaign as an outlet to express their frustrations, with some contributing significant sums — including a $1,300 donation from one individual who claimed it was the same amount they were charged for a medical procedure despite being told it would be fully covered. Others are openly praising Mangione for “standing up to the evil oligarchs and plutocrats” they believe are responsible for the country’s healthcare woes.
This outpouring of support, despite the violence of the act, underscores the deep discontent many Americans feel toward the healthcare industry, which they see as exploitative and broken. The growing movement to support Mangione reflects a larger dissatisfaction with the system, though it has also drawn significant backlash from those who oppose violence as a solution to these systemic issues.