President-elect Donald Trump has strongly criticized the growing public attention and support for Luigi Mangione, calling it a “sickness.” Mangione, a 26-year-old suspect, is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO B rian Thompson earlier this month in Manhattan. Trump’s remarks came during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Monday.
So what really happened?
On December 4, Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot outside the Hilton hotel in Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference was taking place. According to the police, the gunman appeared to have been lying in wait. After firing the fatal shots, he fled the scene, taking an e-bike toward Central Park.
Thompson was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The incident sparked a manhunt that eventually led to Mangione’s arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania. When he was caught, Mangione was in possession of an unlicensed, 3D-printed gun, which authorities believe was used in the attack.
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When asked about Mangione at the press conference, Trump expressed confusion and frustration about the public’s growing interest in the accused shooter.
“How people can like this guy, that’s a sickness actually,” Trump said. “It seems like there’s a certain appetite for him. I don’t get it.”
Donald Trump shares opinion on Luigi Mangione:
“How people can like this guy…that’s a sickness.” pic.twitter.com/Pp5HD17kmH
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 16, 2024
Trump’s comments highlight his concern over the online obsession and support for Mangione. Many social media users have turned Mangione into an unusual symbol, even labeling him a “hero” for his anger toward corporate healthcare systems.
Mangione, an Ivy League graduate, reportedly wrote a manifesto before the shooting. In it, he described his anger at the healthcare industry, calling executives “parasites.” Police believe Mangione targeted Thompson because UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. However, Mangione himself was never a customer of UnitedHealthcare.
Mangione is currently being held without bail in Pennsylvania. He faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery, and providing false identification. The most serious charge in Pennsylvania—forgery—carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. New York authorities have also charged Mangione with second-degree murder, along with several other weapons-related charges. If convicted of murder, Mangione could face a minimum of 15 years in prison or a life sentence.
Trump is not alone in expressing concern. Texas Senator Ted Cruz called Mangione’s actions “tragic and sick” and criticized online supporters. Others, like Amazon Pharmacy’s Vin Gupta, have pointed out that the healthcare system has deep flaws but argued that violence is never the solution.
UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, Andrew Witty, wrote in The New York Times that Brian Thompson worked to make healthcare more transparent and affordable for families. Witty emphasized that Thompson believed patients should understand their options and costs upfront.
Meanwhile, Mangione’s supporters claim that his anger highlights broader frustrations with the healthcare system. Crowdfunding efforts for his legal fees have surprisingly surpassed $200,000, showing the extent of his online following.
What happens next?
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Pennsylvania and is fighting extradition to New York. Legal experts say that the extradition process could take months, though New York prosecutors are pushing to expedite it. Mangione’s next court date is scheduled for December 23.
This case has sparked debates about the state of healthcare in America. Many argue that skyrocketing costs and limited access to care cause real frustration among citizens. However, Trump’s words remind us that there is no justification for violence.
The story of Luigi Mangione raises a lot of questions: Why are some people turning to extreme measures? And how did this tragic situation become a symbol for anger at the healthcare industry? While the public remains divided, Trump’s strong response makes it clear where he stands: glorifying violence, in his view, is a “sickness.”
Featured image via screengrab
