A week ago, 26-year-old Penn graduate Luigi Mangione shocked the nation by gunning down $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ Group CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight.
Reports indicate that during Thompson's tenure, AI algorithms were implemented to drastically increase claim denials, leaving insured patients without medical compensation. Following the shooting, Mangione calmly dined at $McDonald's(MCD)$, where he was later recognized and reported by employees, leading to his arrest.
1. Who Is Luigi Mangione?
Born into a wealthy Maryland family, Luigi Mangione earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from the University of Pennsylvania.
4 Penn Alumni
Despite his privileged background, Mangione harbored deep resentment toward the healthcare system, fueled by personal struggles, including a congenital spinal deformity and dissatisfaction with medical treatments for his family.
Six months ago, he cut ties with friends and family, and his anger culminated in this act of violence.
2. UnitedHealth Under Fire: AI Denials Spark Outrage
At the crime scene, police found three shell casings inscribed with "Deny, Depose, Defend," a nod to the book of the same name, which criticizes insurers for unjust claim denials. This business model, often seen as exploitative, involves delaying, denying, or legally contesting claims to reduce payouts.
$UnitedHealth(UNH)$, which earned $371.6 billion in revenue in 2024 (ranking 8th on the Fortune 500), has faced growing public backlash. Despite its profits surpassing Berkshire Hathaway, UNH is notorious for being the largest insurer denying claims, rejecting one-third of all requests, a figure driven higher by AI algorithms introduced in 2019.
3. Public Support for Mangione: Hero or Villain?
The shooting has ignited widespread debate, with many Americans sympathizing with Mangione’s grievances against the healthcare system. Some have likened him to Batman, using extreme measures to expose systemic injustice.
An overwhelming wave of support has poured in online, with fundraisers collecting over $35,000 for Mangione's legal defense. Prisoners at his detention facility were even heard shouting "Free Luigi" during a live broadcast by NewsNation.
4. Luigi Meme Coin and Viral Fame
On December 10, a meme cryptocurrency called LUIGI skyrocketed, reaching a market cap of nearly $80 million within 30 minutes of its launch on Moonshot, a popular coin-picking platform.
5. McDonald’s Backlash and Burger King’s Gains?
The incident sparked outrage online, with Mangione dubbed the “Batman” and "Modern Robin Hood". Social media saw a grassroots campaign to boycott McDonald’s, with users declaring, "No McDonald’s for a month."
Meanwhile, Burger King seemingly capitalized on the moment with a cryptic yet powerful slogan, "We Don’t Snitch," which went viral and boosted its brand image.
Violence as Protest: Justified or Condemned?
While many hail Mangione as a "national hero," others argue that violence, no matter how righteous the cause, is never a solution.
What do you think?
Is Mangione a modern-day Robin Hood, or has he crossed an unforgivable line?
Does society need vigilantes?
Have you ever experienced a similar denial of insurance coverage?
Join our discussion and comment to win at least 5 tiger coins~
Comments
A week ago, 26-year-old Penn graduate Luigi Mangione shocked the nation by gunning down $UnitedHealth(UNH)$ Group CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight.
Reports indicate that during Thompson's tenure, AI algorithms were implemented to drastically increase claim denials, leaving insured patients without medical compensation. Following the shooting, Mangione calmly dined at $McDonald's(MCD)$, where he was later recognized and reported by employees, leading to his arrest.
@SPACE ROCKET @TigerGPT @koolgal @LMSunshine @Shyon @Aqa @rL @GoodLife99 @HelenJanet @Universe宇宙
Is Mangione a modern-day Robin Hood, or has he crossed an unforgivable line?
Does society need vigilantes?
Have you ever experienced a similar denial of insurance coverage?
Join our discussion and comment to win at least 5 tiger coins~
首先，汤普森应该更清楚。要么经营一家“干净”透明的企业，要么不经营。在被保险人已经感到非常沮丧和沮丧的时候，拒绝他们的医疗赔偿是可怕和不可原谅的。靠别人的痛苦茁壮成长是彻头彻尾的邪恶。
我们购买保险是为了在糟糕的情况下安心，而不是在我们需要提出索赔时增加更多的废话。
虽然暴力不应该被宽恕，但汤普森应该预见到它的到来。他玩火，得到了他应得的甜点。
想如履薄冰，然后处理后果。
@icycrystal @nomadic_m @Happiness