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Suspect in Health Insurance CEO Murder Gains Twisted Following
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has garnered a peculiar following among those who harbor resentment toward the health insurance industry.
Since the December 4th shooting, Mangione has become the subject of morbid admiration, with merchandise celebrating him emerging online. T-shirts, mugs, Christmas ornaments, and even a mock-Time Person of the Year cover are among the items being sold.
This bizarre admiration began even before Mangione was apprehended and escalated after his arrest. Social media users have posted memes and celebrated him with references to video games and television shows.
Prior to Mangione’s identification, devotees held a look-alike contest in New York City and purchased jackets similar to the one worn by the suspect.
Mangione was apprehended Monday in Pennsylvania after a customer at a McDonald’s recognized him from wanted posters and alerted authorities. Police recovered the alleged murder weapon and a manifesto he had written criticizing corporate America and the healthcare industry.
Online marketplace Etsy is facing criticism for allowing the sale of merchandise glorifying a murder suspect. The company has yet to comment on the matter.