Luigi Mangione: Social media reacts to alleged CEO killer

Luigi Mangione sparks social media conspiracy theories

Luigi Mangione has been charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, after being arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald's. Social media has chimed in both in support of and with conspiracy theories about the alleged killer.

"An insult to the intelligence of the American people" is what Luigi Mangione can be heard shouting as he enters court for an extradition hearing in Pennsylvania to face murder charges in New York. While the meaning of his outburst remains unclear, many on social media were already convinced of his innocence even before the dramatic statement.

One social media user remarked, "[The] FBI wants us to believe that this guy is the one who John Wicked, the CEO of United Healthcare… Luigi Mangione!" Another added, "Listen, I’m not about conspiracy theories — far from it — but people are not this stupid. It’s looking like he’s a patsy, a fall guy. I feel like we’re in a simulation… a really weird Black Mirror episode."

The 26-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder in the Manhattan killing of United Healthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. He also has three gun charges. Investigators said Mangione had a 3D-printed pistol and silencer in his backpack, as well as multiple IDs and writings critical of the health insurance industry.

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On Monday, a McDonald’s employee i Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating at the fast food restaurant and called police. A customer who was there said his companion also thought Mangione looked familiar. "He made a comment, ‘That looks like the shooter from New York,’ but the group of us thought it was more of a joke," said the customer.

Social media had a field day with the employee’s actions. One user quipped, "I don’t know much, but I do know that McDonald’s employee that ratted out that shooter definitely gives you the correct amount of sauce packets as prescribed by corporate, and charges you 25 cents when you ask for another one." Negative reviews of the McDonald’s location also surfaced, with one review reading, "Rats everywhere! And I watched a nice gentleman get arrested while I scarfed down my Big Mac Meal with large fries and a Diet Coke. I will never return."

Mangione’s attorney, Tom Dickey, urged the public to withhold judgment, emphasizing the importance of due process. "You can’t rush to judgment… if you believe in America, you cannot rush to judgment," he stated. Dickey confirmed that his client plans to plead not guilty to all charges.