#FreeLuigi Takes Over Social Media: Why Thousands Are Rallying Behind and Fundraising for a Man Arrested in the CEO’s Murder?

Luigi Mangione, arrested in connection with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked an unexpected wave of support across social media platforms. His arrest on Monday has led to a surge in followers on his Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, with many users calling for his release under the hashtag #FreeLuigi.

Mangione, a 26-year-old man, was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a McDonald’s employee identified him. He faces firearms charges, and authorities have confirmed that he is a key suspect in Thompson’s death. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that they found a ghost gun, suppressor, and an anti-healthcare manifesto in Mangione’s possession, which has further fueled public speculation about his motivations.

The arrest has triggered an outpouring of support from netizens across platforms such as X, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. The #FreeLuigi hashtag is trending, with many users portraying Mangione as an anti-establishment figure. “He’s only guilty of being hot,” one X user posted, reflecting how some focus more on his appearance than the crime itself. Others expressed their anger toward the person who reported Mangione, with one user suggesting, “Now the real news should be who is the class traitor that snitched on Luigi Mangione.”

As his social media profiles gained thousands of new followers, Mangione’s Instagram account (@luigi.from.fiji) now boasts over 21,500 followers, with users sharing memes and slogans supporting his cause. A post shared by one supporter referenced the HBO series The Sopranos, captioning it: “In this house, Luigi Mangione is a hero, end of story.” Some have even suggested financial support, with one user asking, “Does he have a GoFundMe?” A legal fundraiser for Mangione had raised only £100 by Monday afternoon.

The reaction to the killing and Mangione’s arrest has drawn attention to frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system, particularly the practice of insurance claim denials. Evidence reportedly found at the scene of the crime included shell casings marked with terms like “depose,” “deny,” and “delay,” which appear to be criticisms of the ways insurance companies handle claims. These references have led to many seeing Mangione’s actions as a reflection of deep-seated dissatisfaction with corporate America, particularly within the healthcare sector.

Healthcare workers have also joined the conversation. One emergency room nurse posted a TikTok video where she explained her disgust at the insurance denials patients face, particularly in life-or-death situations. “I can’t feel sympathy for [Brian Thompson] because of all those patients and their families,” the nurse said, voicing frustrations that many feel about the system.

On Reddit, discussions have taken a more political turn, with users debating the larger implications of the case. One user described the incident as a “warning call” for corporate America, while another noted that the health system is “a scam” and that Mangione’s actions were a result of someone “finally snapping.”

In the wake of Mangione’s arrest, some are hopeful that this event could spark change within the healthcare system, though others remain skeptical. One Redditor remarked, “Whether it will result in any meaningful or lasting change to the system… let’s see. I’d like to be hopeful, but I know how this world works.”

While support for Mangione continues to grow, the case remains a stark reminder of the growing discontent in the U.S. over healthcare practices and the complex dynamics between social justice, public sentiment, and criminal investigations. As the investigation into Thompson’s murder continues, the conversation surrounding the case is expected to evolve, revealing more about the causes of Mangione’s alleged actions and the broader frustrations that drive them.