
Luigi Mangione has become the unlikely face of America’s current cultural moment, sparking a storm of conversations, memes, and debates that touch on everything from justice to healthcare to corporate accountability.
In just two weeks, Mangione—the alleged killer of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson—has gone from an unknown figure to the subject of intense scrutiny and internet fascination. Social media is buzzing with thirsty memes and conspiracy theories, while YouTube creators churn out detailed video essays dissecting his case. Meanwhile, mainstream journalists dutifully pen articles condemning the crime, often sticking to a sanitized narrative seemingly crafted by corporate PR teams.
But Mangione’s story isn’t just about a crime; it’s become a lightning rod for broader frustrations. Critics of the media and justice system have latched onto the spectacle of his recent perp walk. Accompanied by a phalanx of police officers and flanked by New York City Mayor Eric Adams—an infamous self-promoter—the image was impossible to ignore. For comparison, even high-profile domestic terrorists like Timothy McVeigh (who killed 168 people) and Dylann Roof (responsible for the deaths of nine Black churchgoers) were escorted by far fewer officers.
Many have pointed to this overwhelming show of force as evidence of a justice system that operates differently based on wealth and influence. Poor Americans often face long delays in basic investigations, like processing rape kits, while the rich and powerful can skirt accountability altogether. Thompson’s murder, tragic as it is, has highlighted this disparity. Despite New York City logging over 300 murders this year, the resources funneled into Mangione’s capture seem unmatched. The charges against him—terrorism and potentially the death penalty—further underscore this imbalance, especially when compared to cases like Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people yet avoided capital punishment.
Unsurprisingly, the internet has seized upon the drama. Mangione’s striking mugshots and larger-than-life story have inspired endless memes, with comparisons ranging from Superman to Batman villains. Some have even joked about how Marvel might try to cash in on the phenomenon. These memes, while humorous, reflect a deeper sentiment: Mangione has become a symbol for people’s anger at the system.
At the heart of this outrage is Brian Thompson’s legacy. As CEO of United Healthcare, Thompson oversaw policies that denied nearly one-third of all claims—decisions critics argue contributed to countless deaths. While UHC enjoyed record-breaking profits of $281 billion in 2023, with Thompson taking home a $10.2 million compensation package, many Americans suffered under a healthcare system that prioritizes profits over people. This has led some to frame Thompson as complicit in systemic harm, even as his murder is rightly condemned.
Mangione’s story has become a rallying point for anti-establishment sentiment. Far from intimidating people, the heavy-handed response to his case appears to have galvanized those frustrated with wealth inequality and healthcare injustice. Remarkably, it’s uniting people across the political spectrum in their shared discontent with the status quo. While some pundits speculate that this anger might eventually be redirected toward marginalized communities—immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, or others—Mangione’s newfound status as a folk hero seems untouchable for now.
Thompson’s murder is undeniably a tragedy, but the disproportionate response to his death has put a spotlight on systemic inequalities in law enforcement, media, and healthcare. The story of Luigi Mangione is no longer just about a crime; it’s about a society grappling with its own deep fractures. Whether his notoriety will fade or endure, one thing is clear: the outrage his case has sparked isn’t going away anytime soon.