What's Inside Luigi Mangione's Manifesto?

Larry Mimosa December 10, 2024 | 08:38

Inside Luigi Mangione’s Manifesto: “Sorry for the Trauma,” “I Acted Alone”

Luigi Mangione During First Court Appearance in Pennsylvania

Luigi Mangione: The Wealthy Heir Behind the Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

'Unabomber Manifesto' Might Have Inspired Killer

Prior to being charged with first-degree murder, Luigi Mangione wrote a favorable review of Theodore Kaczynski's (the terrorist known as the Unabomber) book Industrial Society and Its Future. In bombings throughout the United States in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Kaczynski killed three people and injured over twenty more.

"It's easy to quickly and thoughtlessly write this off as the manifesto of a lunatic, in order to avoid facing some of the uncomfortable problems it identifies," Mangione wrote on the book review website Goodreads. However, it's hard to deny how accurate many of his predictions about contemporary society were.

Inside Luigi Mangione’s Manifesto

The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked intense debate about corporate greed, healthcare reform, and the radical actions of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old arrested for the crime. Mangione, a former Ivy League graduate, was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a nationwide manhunt. Among the items recovered during his arrest were a 3D-printed ghost gun, fake IDs, and a manifesto detailing his grievances with corporate America, particularly the healthcare sector.

Learn more: What Motivated Luigi Mangione to Kill? Was Kaczynski's 'Unabomber Manifesto' an Influence?

Luigi Mangione’s Mother Reported Him Missing Last Month

Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was reported missing by his mother on November 18, according to the New York Post, citing law enforcement sources. Mangione, 26, had not been in contact with his family since undergoing back surgery several months earlier. His last known address was in Honolulu, Hawaii, according to police. A former roommate, R.J. Martin, told CNN that Mangione had previously mentioned struggling with back issues.

“When I first interviewed him before he moved in, I remember he said he had a back problem and hoped to get stronger in Hawaii,” Martin said, adding that even activities like surfing caused Mangione severe pain. After the surgery, Mangione showed Martin an X-ray of screws implanted in his spine. The banner image on Mangione’s account on X includes the same or a similar image.

At the time of his arrest, Mangione was reportedly carrying writings critical of the healthcare industry, authorities said. At the crime scene, bullet casings were discovered engraved with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—potentially referencing a book about controversial insurance industry tactics.

The Arrest and Discovery of the Manifesto

What's Inside Luigi Mangione's Manifesto?

Ted Kaczynski's 'Unabomber Manifesto' -- and the possibility it inspired Mangione's alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Mangione’s capture came after a McDonald’s employee in Altoona recognized him from wanted posters and alerted authorities. When arrested, Mangione was carrying a letter, described by police as a "manifesto," which expressed regret for the trauma caused by his actions but justified them as necessary. One chilling line read:

“I do apologize for any strife or trauma, but it had to be done. These parasites had it coming. I acted alone. I’m self-funded.”

The manifesto reportedly condemned nonviolent protest as ineffective and declared violence as the only viable means of enacting meaningful change. Investigators believe the letter was a calculated statement aimed at sparking public debate about the perceived failings of corporate systems.

Old footage of Luigi Mangione giving his valedictorian speech at Gilman School in 2016:

The Killing of Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson, 55, was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel as he prepared to attend an investor conference. The assailant used a silenced 9mm ghost gun to fire multiple shots, killing Thompson and fleeing the scene.

At the crime scene, investigators found shell casings engraved with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose." These terms are reminiscent of the insurance industry's widely criticized “delay, deny, defend” approach, often accused of prioritizing profits over fulfilling claims.

Authorities also recovered an abandoned bag belonging to Mangione in Central Park. Inside were Monopoly game bills, which forensic psychiatrist Carole Lieberman speculated were intended as a symbolic critique of healthcare capitalism. “It was possibly a gesture Mangione forgot to execute at the crime scene,” Lieberman noted.

A Manifesto Against Corporate America

Mangione’s manifesto took direct aim at corporate executives, whom he referred to as "parasites" profiting off human suffering. The document harshly criticized the U.S. healthcare system for prioritizing monetary gain over patients' well-being. Executives were accused of profiting from denied claims, leaving many vulnerable individuals without necessary care.

The manifesto also expressed disdain for the broader capitalist system, which Mangione viewed as inherently exploitative. His writings suggested that healthcare companies embodied the worst excesses of corporate greed, using examples of inflated premiums and denied treatments as evidence of systemic failure.

Public Reaction: A Divisive Debate

The murder has ignited a storm of reactions on social media, with opinions sharply divided. Many condemned Mangione’s actions as violent and unjustifiable, while others hailed him as a symbol of resistance against corporate monopolies. Memes, merchandise, and viral content portraying Mangione as a modern Robin Hood have gained traction online.

“Do you expect people to feel bad for someone who denied healthcare to patients?” one Instagram user commented.

Another added, “Nobody condones murder, but if this highlights corporate greed, so be it.”

Some supporters framed Mangione’s actions as a wake-up call for corporate leaders to address growing public discontent. However, critics warned that romanticizing such acts risks glorifying violence and undermining legitimate channels for reform.

Who is Luigi Mangione - Suspect Killer in Shooting of Brian Thompson

Threats Against Other Executives

The killing has also raised concerns about the safety of corporate leaders. Kathryn Wylde, president of the Partnership for New York City, reported an increase in threats against executives in the wake of the murder. Over the weekend, two CEOs received threatening packages, one containing anthrax and another resembling a bomb. Both packages included language similar to that found in Mangione’s manifesto, prompting heightened security across major companies.

These incidents suggest that Mangione’s actions, and the manifesto he left behind, may have emboldened others with similar grievances. Authorities are investigating whether these threats are isolated or part of a larger trend inspired by Mangione’s rhetoric.

Mangione’s Background: A Fall from Promise

Mangione’s actions stand in stark contrast to his once-bright future. A valedictorian of Baltimore’s prestigious Gilman School, he excelled academically and athletically, playing soccer and earning accolades for his intellect. He went on to study computer science, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Despite his promising background, Mangione’s radicalization appears to have been fueled by online activity. He admired quotes by Ted Kaczynski, the “Unabomber,” and engaged with forums that criticized corporate greed and capitalism. His writings and manifesto reflect a worldview shaped by these influences, culminating in his alleged decision to commit murder as an act of protest.

The Larger Implications

The murder of Brian Thompson has not only sparked debates about corporate practices but has also highlighted issues surrounding the accessibility of ghost guns, the dangers of online radicalization, and the growing resentment toward monopolistic industries.

The manifesto’s focus on healthcare as a symbol of systemic greed has resonated with many Americans frustrated by the high costs and inaccessibility of medical care. However, law enforcement officials warn against glorifying Mangione’s actions, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue rather than violence.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, Luigi Mangione’s manifesto serves as both a chilling insight into his motives and a reflection of growing societal frustrations with corporate America. While his actions have sparked conversations about healthcare reform and corporate accountability, the violent means he employed have drawn widespread condemnation.

The legacy of this case will likely center on the tension between the need for systemic change and the dangers of radicalized, violent responses—a balance that society must navigate carefully in the face of growing inequality and discontent.

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