Examining the Support for Luigi Mangione
John H. Richardson has been disturbed by the way his friends and family—people he describes as “idealistic, well-meaning”—showed support for Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Richardson remarked, “There is a tolerance for violence, and it seems to be more intellectual than physical.”
In his new book, “Luigi: its origin and meaning,” Richardson delves into why so many Americans, whom he calls “strangely kind,” are backing a murder suspect.
Nationally, a notable 41% of individuals aged 18 to 29 believe it’s “somewhat” or “totally” acceptable to kill a CEO, according to a poll conducted by Emerson in the same month as Thompson’s death.
Young people today are grappling with anxiety and anger, and politics plays a significant role in how they define themselves.
“There’s a feeling among many young people that the system isn’t working and someone has to do something, and that’s probably themselves,” Richardson explained.
Enter Mangione, fitting the mold of a charismatic yet rebellious antihero. In a way, he mirrors a modern-day Robin Hood for the younger generation.
After examining Mangione’s online presence, Richardson suggests that the suspect exhibits symptoms of what he terms “classic Zoomerphobia.” He notes, “Climate change is just another entry on a long list of existential issues, suggesting that Mangione has navigated his adult life overshadowed by daunting possibilities.”
Gen Z has faced a multitude of crises, always reminded of potential global catastrophes. The looming fears range from AI taking jobs to the burdens of student loans, and many feel that health insurance is becoming increasingly inadequate. Some even sarcastically wonder if climate change might somehow be their salvation.
This pervasive sense of hopelessness, coupled with dwindling faith in free speech and liberal values, leaves many feeling that perhaps violence is the only way to jolt society out of its complacency.
Richardson noted that Mangione envisioned himself as an anarchist seeking to upend the status quo, likening his computer skills to a quest to “debug” society.
Interestingly, Richardson previously exchanged letters with the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, for five years during his journalism career. He admitted to being surprised by Mangione’s admiration for Kaczynski’s manifesto, which the defendant called “visionary.” However, Richardson argues there’s an important distinction between the two figures.
“Ted could never shake off his mad hermit image, while Luigi carried the allure of a Disney prince, seemingly willing to sacrifice everything for a moment of glory,” he observed. Even with serious accusations against him, Mangione has become a figure of admiration.
It’s quite interesting—Mangione seems to resonate within a social media landscape. This appeal has manifested in fans creating cakes, tattoos, T-shirts, and even writing passionate letters. His name alone has turned into a punchline for late-night hosts; everyone seems to know who “Luigi” refers to.
Richardson notes, “The Handsome Outlaw is almost a magical act; there’s a certain permission given by their good looks to celebrate rule-breaking. The enthusiasm surrounding courtroom appearances is unprecedented, yet this doesn’t fit the America we thought we lived in.”
Shockingly, in today’s America, especially among the youth, expressing support for a murderer has gained a strange sort of popularity.
Beyond his looks, Mangione resonates with Zoomers yearning for something genuine amidst the negativity of social media. Here, they can imagine themselves as radical change-makers while maintaining their online anonymity.
“Identifying Luigi’s motivations is less significant,” Richardson states. “What’s essential is his elusiveness. For an increasing number of Americans feeling existential dread, he serves as a canvas onto which they can project their fears and aspirations.”
