How does a 26-year-old Ivy League Graduate and former valedictorian from a wealthy family find himself charged with second-degree murder? Luigi Mangione’s shocking story has captivated the nation, sparking questions about his motive — and the larger message behind his actions.
Luigi Mangione, born in Towson, Maryland, came from a wealthy family. He was known as a charming and intelligent young man with a bright future as valedictorian at the elite Gilman School. Mangione went on to earn dual degrees in engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, where he gained recognition for his innovative projects as well as a reputation for using technology for social good. Along with his reputation for intelligence and academic commitment, friends described Mangione as “humble” as well as a “bright kid with a bright future” (ABC News)..
However, on Dec. 4, 2024, at approximately 6:30 a.m., his promising upbringing took a dark turn.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. Surveillance footage revealed a man, later identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, approaching Thompson and firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene. Authorities launched an extensive manhunt, leading to Mangione’s arrest on Dec. 9 in Pennsylvania. Unexpectedly, he was caught in a McDonald’s, where he was found with a 3D-printed firearm and a backpack filled with Monopoly money according to Reuters. The money may have symbolized Mangione’s anger towards UnitedHealthcare and its perceived monopoly status.
During his arrest, Mangione repeatedly shouted, “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people,” as he was escorted into the courthouse.
Following his arrest and charges of murder and terrorism, Mangione’s defense attorney, Tom Dickey, announced that Mangione intended to plead not guilty, stating, “We will fight the case rigorously using the constitutional protections available to our client” (New York Post ).
As legal proceedings continue, the nation remains captivated by the case and is left to interpret his motive and message. So far, here is what we know that could potentially provide context behind Mangione’s motives.
Along with the 3D-printed gun and the symbolic Monopoly money found in Mangione’s backpack, police also found a multi-page document. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the document “speaks to both his motivation and mindset.” Furthermore, in an ABC interview with NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny, Kenny included that Mangione’s handwritten document includes an indication that he’s “frustrated with the healthcare system in the United States, specifically he states how we are No. 1 most expensive healthcare system in the world … he was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America.” Additionally, the phrase “deny, defend, depose” was found etched in the shell casings of Luigi’s bullets at the scene of Thomposons homicide, a phrase commonly used to criticize the strategy insurance companies use which delays payments on claims, denies, claims and defends their actions.
Luigi Mangione’s health struggles have been well documented, particularly his battle with chronic back pain following a surfing accident. The injury led to spinal fusion surgery in mid-2023, which according to ABC News happened before “Mangione allegedly fell out of contact with friends and family and grew increasingly isolated.”
Mangione also contained public Google Drive documents, with one chilling quote: “Imagine a society that subjects people to conditions that make them terribly unhappy, then gives them drugs to take away their unhappiness.”
According to CBS News, Luigi’s next court appearance is set for February 21st. Mangione has both federal and state charges, with 11 state charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism, opening the possibility for the death penalty.
The nation is left enticed to hear more about his case, with some people defending his actions due to his situation, and others wanting him in jail for cold-blooded murder.