Luigi Mangione, the man accused of the calculated killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has pleaded not guilty to federal murder charges in a Manhattan court.
The high-profile case has sparked intense political and cultural debate across the United States, but when news of Mangione’s arrest broke last year, the LGBTQ+ community online went viral for an entirely different reason.
Appearing sombre in beige prison scrubs, Mangione faced charges of murder, two counts of stalking, and a firearms offence.
Outside the courthouse, Mangione supporters gathered with signs and posters, including a van displaying a video message condemning the Justice Department’s actions as “barbaric.”
Prosecutors allege that Mangione meticulously stalked Thompson before shooting him at close range with a silenced pistol on 4 December 2024, after travelling from Atlanta to New York. He was arrested days later at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after being recognised by a customer following a media alert.
At the time of his arrest, Mangione was found carrying a ghost gun — a weapon built from online-purchased parts — as well as multiple fake IDs and a document expressing “ill will toward corporate America.”
This case also marks the first under President Donald Trump’s new term where federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
A significant court date is expected to be set for 5 December, marking exactly one year since the alleged killing.
Queer Internet Reacts to Mangione’s Arrest
While the legal drama plays out, Mangione’s arrest created a surprising — and rather hilarious — phenomenon within the queer online community.
Upon the release of Mangione’s images, including his mugshot, gay men across social media platforms erupted in thirst. Despite the gravity of the charges against him, many openly swooned over his good looks, with memes and posts becoming increasingly more tongue-in-cheek as additional images surfaced.
Beyond his viral fame for his appearance, Mangione has attracted broader support from those criticising the state of America’s healthcare system, a conversation that has intensified since the incident.
As the case continues to unfold, both the political stakes and Mangione’s unexpected pop culture moment remain points of intense public interest.
