Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old man who allegedly killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, has gained more online supporters than critics, despite the gravity of the crime. After the shooting, Mangione was arrested four days later at a McDonald’s location, where an employee recognized him from media photos. The murder has sparked a large online debate, with many defending Mangione’s actions.
Though Mangione faces serious charges, including second-degree murder, many people online justify the killing, citing widespread frustration with the U.S. healthcare system, particularly insurance companies. The phrase “Delay, Deny, Defend,” which was found on bullet casings at the crime scene, symbolizes the tactics used by insurance companies to avoid paying claims. This phrase has become a rallying cry for supporters who view Mangione’s actions as an anti-corporate protest against these practices.
In the wake of the murder, a crowdfunding campaign, “GiveSendGo,” raised over $40,000 for Mangione’s legal defense. Many of the donations have been driven by anger over the healthcare system’s failure to provide adequate care, with some donors calling the killing a “justifiable homicide.” One supporter argued, “Denying healthcare coverage to people is murder, but no one gets charged with that crime.”
Mangione’s story has resonated with those disillusioned with healthcare inequality. He had been suffering from chronic back pain and had undergone spinal surgery in 2023, which reportedly fueled his frustration with the healthcare system. His actions are seen by some as a desperate protest against an industry that they believe prioritizes profit over people’s health.
Additionally, the book “Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It” by Jay Feinman has surged in popularity, becoming an Amazon bestseller. The book’s title echoes the sentiment surrounding Mangione’s actions, as many Americans are familiar with the difficulties of dealing with insurance companies who often delay or deny necessary claims.
While Mangione is facing charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, with his lawyer planning to plead not guilty, the public’s reaction to his actions has sparked a heated debate. Some view him as a martyr fighting corporate greed, while others see him as a dangerous individual setting a harmful precedent. His case continues to stir discussions about healthcare reform and corporate accountability in America.
