A picture of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, smiling as he left prosecutor has ignited a social media storm. Mangione, who pleaded not guilty to state murder and terrorism charges, is now being held at Brookly n’s Metropolitan Detention Center.
The picture that broke the net
On December 23, Mangione left a criminal court and grinned from the rear seat of a vehicle, the photo quickly went viral.It’s the latest in a series of photos of the accused that have captivated online audiences. From memes portraying him as a fashion icon to posts hailing him as a symbol of resistance against America’s private healthcare system, the internet’s fascination with Mangione is growing.
On X ( formerly Twitter ), a compilation of Mangione’s courtroom photos has racked up over 9.1 million views. Another article, titled” Luigi Mangione proves in judge he does NOT have poor angles”, has gained considerable momentum.
Online debates between supporters and detractors
Outside the court, protest chanted” Free Luigi”, while in, a group of 24 people apparently attended to show their support for Mangione. More than$ 187, 000 has been raised by crowd funding work for his legitimate defence, and fan mail is circulating at the detention facility.
But, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has taken a business attitude, stating,” In its most simple terms, this was a shooting that was intended to generate terror”.
The world of clothing weighs in.
The fashion industry is yet a part of the viral conversation. Instagram accounts Diet Prada compared Mangione’s court dress to Prada’s Spring/Summer 2013 set, sparking additional curiosity.
What’s Second for Mangione?
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, criticized the intense media target, stating he’s being” treated like social fodder”. Despite the virtual scene, Mangione’s next court appearance is set for January 18, 2025, where he will encounter state homicide charges.
As the constitutional procedure unfolds, the industry’s obsession with Mangione shows no signs of waning, making him an unlikely historical trend amid a high-profile test.
