Following Louise Mangione’s guilty plea for murder, one of his devoted supporters turned “journalist,” Lena Weisbrot, made disturbing comments on social media aimed at Brian Thompson’s widow.
Weisbrot, part of a trio referred to as “Manjonistas” who received press credentials from Mamdani’s government, shared offensive remarks about Paulette Thompson, implying she had a role in her husband’s death.
“Wow, this comment section is just amazing! Many people share my sentiments,” Weisbrot posted on her Instagram Story, sharing critical remarks from others in the comments.
One comment she shared read, “I would be upset too if my husband had caused the deaths of millions by denying them life-saving treatments.”
Another user suggested, “Maybe the CEO’s wife should contribute some of her riches to those unable to pay their medical bills.”
“Does this woman expect sympathy after leading a privileged life amidst sickness and death?” another comment stated.
Another user declared, “Luigi is a hero. Brian Thompson rejected treatment for cancer patients. The killings by private health insurance CEOs occur daily.”
One radical online added, “The federal government will pardon the next good president or we will confront him during the revolution.”
Mr. Weisbrot, who is 32, was a common presence outside the courthouse during Mangione’s trial but missed the proceedings on Friday after admitting to the calculated murder of Brian Thompson.
In an odd interview where the Mangione supporters defended their press credentials for a little-followed blog, one colleague launched a vitriolic attack against Mangione’s victims.
Paulette Thompson was seen exiting the Manhattan Criminal Court in tears after confessing to killing her husband, Brian, in Mangione’s courtroom.
“Damn, Brian Thompson,” Ashley Rojas, another supporter, exclaimed, showcasing her press badge. “That’s all there is to say: Damn, Brian Thompson. Damn, his mother too.”
Interestingly, Weisbrot’s mother, Reina Natero, is involved in health insurance and manages prescription drug coverage policies at CVS Health.
The 57-year-old, a trained pharmacist, has worked with a leading pharmaceutical firm for more than 20 years.
Mangione, aged 28, admitted in federal court to using a 3D-printed gun to shoot and kill UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024.
The Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office has indicated it will ask for a life sentence for Mangione once he is sentenced on December 18.
“Mr. Mangione aimed to deliver a public message through violence,” stated Jamie MacDonald, head of the Southern District of New York, at a news conference after Mangione’s plea.
“But the message coming through today diverges significantly. Violence cannot serve as a means to promote political or social agendas. Those who turn to violence to further their beliefs will face prosecution and imprisonment.”
Mangione’s plea arrives shortly before jury selection begins on September 8 for a state case in which he faces second-degree murder and illegal possession charges.
The outcome of that case is still unclear, with Mangione’s attorneys filing for dismissal in state court, claiming that his guilty plea poses a “double jeopardy” situation—suggesting he cannot be tried twice for the same offense.
