The tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is a sobering moment for corporate America and our society at large. Yet somehow, the focus of the internet isn’t on the shocking, targeted execution of a high-powered executive or the suspect’s apparent grudge against the healthcare industry—it’s on how “hot” the alleged killer is.
Yes, Luigi Mangione, the man arrested for the brazen killing, has become a viral sensation, complete with thirsty comments, memes, and even a GoFundMe for his legal defense. If you ever needed proof that our cultural priorities are completely upside down, here it is.
Official mugshot of Luigi Mangione, I have one question, for being such a smart kid, after he shot Brian Thompson, why didnt he trim those dam eyebrows, They got him caught pic.twitter.com/1mA8htuzrb
— Tony C (@topcat1460) December 10, 2024
Let’s recap: Brian Thompson was gunned down in cold blood outside the New York Hilton Midtown, allegedly by a masked Mangione who then fled the scene on a bike. Authorities described the attack as “brazen” and “targeted,” with video evidence strongly suggesting that Thompson was the intended victim. Mangione, a 26-year-old graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, was later apprehended in Pennsylvania, carrying a ghost gun, suppressor, multiple fake IDs, and a three-page manifesto that reportedly expressed disdain for corporate America.
But instead of outrage or calls for justice, much of the internet is ogling Mangione’s physique and swooning over his mugshot. Social media users are openly fantasizing about the suspect, with one writing, “Free my man, he’s sexy af. I wish I was that CEO so I could get these backshots 😭❤️.” Another chimed in, “Can we make a baby before you go to jail? Your legacy must be continued.” These are not fringe comments; they’re part of a wave of online fervor that has turned Mangione into some kind of deranged anti-corporate sex symbol.
now i know why that hostel worker asked him to lower his mask 🥵
I present to you the hot assassin, Luigi Mangione pic.twitter.com/EtD3Z2SePw
— samantha (@drakeismyzaddy) December 9, 2024
How did we get here? Well, for starters, this kind of misplaced infatuation is nothing new. From Ted Bundy to the “Hot Felon” who parlayed his mugshot into a modeling career, there’s a bizarre cultural obsession with glamorizing criminals—particularly if they’re easy on the eyes. What’s new is the backdrop of modern identity politics and social media’s ability to amplify this nonsense. Mangione’s alleged anti-corporate stance is conveniently framed as righteous rebellion by some, even as the left claims to be horrified by violence. The irony is astounding: the same crowd that demands gun control and decries toxic masculinity is now thirsting over a man accused of murder with a ghost gun.
Then there’s the broader cultural decay this spectacle represents. The fact that a GoFundMe has been started for Mangione—by strangers, no less—while Brian Thompson’s family mourns his death is a slap in the face to basic decency. Mayor Eric Adams had to state the obvious: “This killer is not a hero. He should not be hailed.” The fact that this even needs to be said is embarrassing.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t about frustration with the healthcare system or corporate greed. Those are real issues that deserve serious debate. But turning a suspect in a brutal murder into a viral sensation isn’t activism—it’s idiocy. It cheapens the tragedy, distracts from justice, and reveals a disturbing lack of empathy for the victim and his family.
Mangione will face the justice system, and the evidence against him appears damning. But the court of public opinion? That’s a mess of memes, thirst, and moral confusion. It’s enough to make you wonder if we’ve collectively lost the plot. If you’re one of the people drooling over the “hot assassin,” maybe take a step back and ask yourself: is this really the hill you want to die on?
