"Netflix and HBO executives getting ready to hire Dave Franco" — Internet reacts as alleged shooter revealed to be Luigi Mangione 

University of Pennsylvania graduate Luigi Mangione has been reportedly charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he went on to become the number one trending topic on X, with many discussing his appearance and making memes about him.

Luigi Mangione is facing the following charges: second-degree murder, two counts of possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a forged instrument, and criminal possession of a weapon in New York. Kaz Daughtry, a New York Police Department deputy commissioner, revealed that the suspect was caught while he was sitting in McDonald's. A customer saw him, and an employee called the police immediately.

Tyler Frye, an Altoona police officer, said that he and his partner recognized the 26-year-old suspect immediately when he pulled down his mask. Frye stated that when the police asked him about his visit to New York, he reportedly “became quiet and started to shake.”

Following his arrest, netizens were stunned by the facial similarity between Mangione and actor Dave Franco. Many flooded the internet with hilarious remarks about the same, with one netizen tweeting:

Several others shared similar sentiments with comments online reading:

“DAVE FRANCO WILL BE EMPLOYED ONCE AGAIN,” an X user said.

“ryan murphy is drafting an email to dave franco as we speak,” a platform user said.

“Dave Franco pick up the phone,” a netizen hilariously said.

During Luigi Mangione’s arrest, he was reportedly found with a 3D-printed pistol, a 3D-printed black silencer, and a document, which, as per police, indicated his “ill will toward corporate America,” as per NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Meanwhile, other reactions read:

“Ryan Murphy and Dave Franco talking about the draft for American True Crime Story: Luigi Mangione,” an X user said.

“Dave Franco hit the gym immediately challenge,” a platform user said.

“Dave Franco has a role waiting for him once this inevitably becomes a movie,” a netizen said.

In the days following the shooting, police turned to the public for help by releasing a collection of videos and images of Luigi Mangione, subsequently leading to his arrest. Meanwhile, other reactions read:

“Dave Franco’s agent has been on the phone all morning,” an X user said.

“congratulations to Dave Franco on the hit movie of 2026,” a platform user said.

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Luigi Mangione’s family releases statement following his arrest

On December 9, the family of the computer science graduate released a statement on social media through his cousin and Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione. The statement read:

“Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson, and we ask people to pray for all involved.”

Luigi Mangione’s arrest comes after the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Brian Thompson, who was killed as he walked alone to a hotel in New York. The police revealed that the shooter was “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching the executive from behind and opening fire.

AP News reported that Luigi attended an elite Baltimore prep school and also graduated as valedictorian in 2016. He went on to earn his graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2020. As per Too Fab, he boasted fewer than 1000 followers on Instagram before his identity was made public. He also had his own X account, which has since been suspended.