Here’s Why Luigi Mangione Was Charged With Terrorism
Daily WireDEC 2024
AG Bondi Seeks Death Penalty in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder
Above: Luigi Mangione appears at a hearing for the murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson at Manhattan Criminal Court on Feb. 21, 2025, in New York City. Image copyright: Curtis Means/Pool/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The cold-blooded execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was a calculated act of terrorism, not just murder. Driven by unregulated rage against the health care system, Luigi Mangione allegedly gunned down Thompson with the goal of shocking and intimidating civilians into accepting his economic views. His manifesto and notebook reveal a premeditated intent to terrorize, for which he deserves the harshest punishment possible.
Establishment-critical narrative
While absolutely no one should condone this type of violence, the social issues underlying the attack must be discussed now more than ever. Mangione's rage echoes a cultural frustration dating back decades — concerns that have only intensified amid the growth of anti-human, AI-integrated health care. This case spotlights a broken system and demands urgent reform, not just punishment.
Cynical narrative
Mangione didn't kill Thompson to save or scare anyone — he's a classic case of an intelligent young man who cracked. He is Gen Z’s poster child: raised in a world of big promises and no payoffs. With bad back pain, a dead-end job, and endless online scrolling, he represents many in his generation, minus the gun. While his political views are progressive, this is about more than a corrupt health insurance industry. It's a social phenomenon shared by many of his peers, regardless of background.