The Mycenaean

On December 4, 2024, Brian Thompson — the CEO of UnitedHealthCare — was shot and killed on the streets of New York City.

Thompson’s alleged murderer, Luigi Mangione, was arrested at a McDonalds in Pennsylvania 5 days later. On December 19, 2024, Mangione was transferred from Pennsylvania to New York City via helicopter. 

CBS News reported that Mangione is facing five charges in Pennsylvania — including carrying a firearm without proper licensing, tampering with identification, possessing instruments of crime and falsifying identification to law enforcement officers — along with charges in New York.

In New York, Luigi Mangione is facing a first-degree murder charge with threat of further terrorism. The New York Times defines these charges as, “intended to intimidate a civilian population” and to “affect the conduct of government by murder.” As well as a second-degree murder charge. The second-degree murder charge is in place to ensure the murder’s conviction. 

If Mangione is found guilty, he could face life in prison without parole. This kind of punishment is reserved for convicted people who are a threat to society.

Police arrested Mangione while he was in the possession of a ghost gun, seemingly matching up with the murder weapon, and a 3-page handwritten document expressing his unhappiness with America’s healthcare system and greed. 

In his document, Mangione describes monopolistic companies as “too powerful” and abusers of the American people for “immense profit”. 

The frustration that Mangione felt is something many American people can relate to. In light of recent events, many people have been speaking out via social media expressing their own grievances with the American healthcare system. In his own words, Mangione was “the first to face it with such brutal honesty.”

Big healthcare corporations are established to help the American public through providing financial aid aimed towards medical expenses. 

Healthcare providers must maintain a balance between affordability and high-quality care.

According to CNN, UnitedHealth Group CEO, Andrew Witty, acknowledges that the health system is not perfect. Insurance companies often deny claims without providing a satisfactory explanation for their decision. 

Madeline Carpenter, junior, said, “My grandfather is a veteran, and he has a lot of problems with the veteran healthcare system and not being able to get help with what he needs at the moment.”

The growing demand for accessible and affordable healthcare in the United States has been a pressing issue. 

Corporations hold a responsibility to serve the American people, but how far will the people go when they are not satisfied? 

Luigi Mangione took extreme measures to spark a conversation about the flaws in the American healthcare system. 

The crime appears highly calculated as the data engineer was in New York 10 days prior to the shooting. He used fake identification to stay in a hotel and allegedly prepare to kill Brian Thompson. 

Three shell casings left at the crime scene were inscribed with the words: deny, defend, and depose.

Three words that shocked the American public. Deny, defend and depose directly reflect Mangione’s perspective on the world and align with the calculated manner in which he carried out the crime. It was a bold and aggressive act intended to create change. 

Paul Avett, sophomore, said, “I feel like it really is and will be continuing to bring light to the issues in the healthcare system. How extremists could solve it but also it could help us start a conversation to come up with actual solutions.”

The case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione has captivated the American people. Many social media platforms have ongoing conversations debating the details of this case. From health care, to humor, to ethics, each person has a platform to speak their mind. 

According to Fox5 New York, #FreeLuigi has been trending in support of Mangionie’s actions. Support for him has transferred into the creation of merchandise, donation of money and millions of eyes on this story. 

People have been posting stories connecting themselves to the high school version Mangionie. Many of the posts add a humorous view on the case — mentioning Mangionie’s physical appearance and past love interests. These stories bring attention to Luigi Mangionie’s name while grabbing the attention of today’s high school students. 

It is important for high school students to be aware and knowledgeable on the topic as it can help them prepare for a life of independence. 

One of the biggest aspects of health coverage is mental health. High school students are a part of the 51% of youth that gets treated for mental health conditions every year. 

Avett said, “We will need to pay for health care eventually and it will affect all of our futures.”

This case has sparked a widespread conversation about the flaws in the American healthcare system, the ethics of big companies, and social justice. 

Leesville students are a part of the next generation of leaders. Digesting, learning and talking about issues, like this one, is how the world will create a brighter future. 

As the legal proceedings against Mangione continue, the nation will continue to deep dive into questions of justice, reform and personal ethics. The case serves as a reminder that division among people can be a dangerous thing — a thing we must continue to work to improve. 

Luigi Mangione will face the New York court system in weeks to come.