Today, the idea of “celebrity” has evolved to include a wide variety of individuals. Beyond the traditional stars of movies, television, music, and sports, fame is now accessible through reality TV, social media, and internet platforms. It’s never been easier to find yourself in the spotlight. However, there’s a clear ethical line when it comes to criminal figures—particularly those accused of heinous acts like murder. Yet, Luigi Mangione, a key suspect in the cold-blooded killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson (who was shot in the back on December 4 in New York City), has strangely become a figure of fascination. He’s even earned the nickname “the hot assassin” from his growing fanbase.
This isn’t a new phenomenon. Infamous criminals like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy received countless love letters and even marriage proposals while behind bars. But the rise of the internet has amplified this bizarre glorification of so-called “attractive” criminals, making their infamy even more visible and widespread.
It’s important to clarify that Mangione hasn’t been officially convicted of any crimes yet. However, the evidence against him is substantial, and he faces eleven charges, including first-degree murder, terrorism, and illegal firearm possession. Despite his undeniable good looks, the focus should be on the gravity of the accusations—he may very well have taken a man’s life. Nevertheless, reports from outlets like U.S. News, Business Insider, and The Daily Beast reveal that Mangione has been romanticized into a sort of modern-day folk hero, with his admirers clamoring to know more about him.
One of the most common questions fans ask? His ethnic background.
What is Luigi Mangione’s Ethnicity?
Luigi Mangione was born on May 6, 1998, in Towson, Maryland, to Louis (71) and Kathleen Mangione (60). His grandparents, Nicholas and Mary Mangione, were prominent figures in Baltimore’s business scene. The Mangione family, known for their real estate ventures and ownership of nursing homes, travel companies, and country clubs, trace their roots to Sicily, Italy. While Luigi is an American citizen by birth, his heritage is firmly Italian through his parents’ lineage.
For decades, the Mangione name symbolized wealth, influence, and philanthropy, especially within Baltimore’s Italian-American community. Now, however, it carries a darker association due to the allegations against Luigi.
If you’re curious about his story, you won’t have to wait long—there’s already a documentary in the works about him. It’s expected to delve deeper into his Italian ancestry and the circumstances that have made him such a polarizing figure today.
