What The Luigi Mangione Case Really Reveals

The murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024 has sparked a national debate. Such debate isn’t just about the crime, but about the healthcare system that so many Americans believe has failed them. Currently convicted for the crime is 26 year old UPenn graduate Luigi Mangione. Historically, it’s unusual to see such widespread public support of an alleged murderer, but the support that exists in this case tells a deeper story. The people are not doing this to cheer for violence; rather, it’s about years of frustration boiling over. Americans tend to feel crushed under a healthcare system that puts the value of profits over people, causing desperation and anger. In many people’s view, Mangione isn’t a villain; rather, he is a hero. 

United Healthcare is the biggest US-based health insurance company, covering millions of people. Under Brian Thompson, the company made record profits. Unfortunately, the reality of these profits for middle-class Americans was rising premium costs, claims denied, and their medical debt receipts getting longer. Many Americans have found themselves asking how much longer they can pay such high amounts for their right to live. 

And it’s not just one thing: the company has previously faced legal challenges because of its practices. In one case, they paid approximately $20 million to settle allegations that it improperly denied thousands of claims for ER services. In another, a class action lawsuit currently alleges that they used incorrect artificial intelligence algorithms to deny coverage for medically necessary services. 

The murder is undeniably tragic and no person should condone such violence. Is this really what we want to continue growing up in? Mangione, a well educated man with no prior criminal history, represents symbolic retaliation. It’s not surprising that a fundraiser for his legal defense has raised almost $800,000 dollars, showing the pure level of people who care about this. What’s even more concerning is this: Mangione was a well educated young man with no criminal record. If he reached his breaking point, is the problem really with him or with America? 

A recent Emerson College Survey found that while most Americans condemned the killing, almost half of young people felt that it was ‘understandable’ given the healthcare system’s state in this country. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s our future, and that’s a chilling statistic to see. It should be a wake up call to anyone who thinks that this is simply an isolated incident. 

‘American Exceptionalism’ is a term that’s often been coined to describe this country. It suggests that we live in a superior nation. This just is not true in every aspect. When it comes to healthcare, the United States lags behind many developed nations, despite spending more per capita than any other country. In an article by Gallup written by Megan Brenan, it’s shown that 72% of Americans believe that the coverage system is not ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. Citizens struggle with insane medical bills and delayed treatments. People should never condone murder, but they recognize the desperation that can drive someone to commit it. 

Luigi pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. The defense lawyers are attempting to prove that the police violated his rights by illegally obtaining his DNA through a McDonald’s meal given to him during questioning. If that is found true in a case that’s now been pushed back to April, the entire case is in jeopardy. 

His treatment while in trial has also raised eyebrows. In court, he has been in handcuffs and wearing a bulletproof vest. He has also been escorted by an alarming number of officers in a classic orange jumpsuit. This is him being treated as a high-risk defendant. While some see it as necessary, others see it as the ‘system’ making an example out of him, punishing his anger. 

Regardless of what the eventual verdict is, the case is a turning point. Is it not surreal to think that we fight insurers for care? Guilty or not, the fact that so many people are rallying around him is a warning sign. If nothing changes, how many more people will reach another breaking point? Will it be bigger? 

This isn’t just about two men and one murder. This is a wake-up call for America. At this point, I beg the question: is there even a system?