"These are clear red flags": Internet reacts as rising trend of getting Luigi Mangione tattoos sparks disbelief

Pictures of netizens getting tattoos featuring Luigi Mangione, the man suspected of killing United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, have been circulating online. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, X user @CollinRugg shared a post with people getting with Mangione's face, or the words "Deny Defend Depose" (found on shell casings), or even the Pokémon Breedloom (that appeared on Luigi's X profile) inked.

Last week, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania for fatally shooting Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. A McDonald's employee recognized him from photos shared by the police. On Tuesday, December 10, he was indicted in Manhattan on 11 counts, including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism.

As the post went viral, internet users were quick to express their disbelief. One called it "despicable behavior" with "red flags."

A comment reacting to the news (Image via X/ @CollinRugg)

Netizens continued to criticize the move.

"This isn’t funny and it’s actually disgusting," one wrote.

"Disturbing," a user remarked.

"Our society has decayed. Absolutely disgusting," another added.

Many called it "twisted" and "stupid."

"This feels like French Revolution level type sentiment," another user commented.

"This is twisted. There is a sickness in this world, and I don't see how it rids itself," a person stated.

"Stupid doesn’t begin to describe this behavior," another added.

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"There is no heroism in what (he) did"-NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch criticizes people praising Luigi Mangione online

On Tuesday, in a press conference, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announced Luigi Mangione was indicted in Manhattan on 11 counts (elevating his initial charges). This included a charge of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder (including one for killing in the act of terrorism).

Other charges included two counts of second-degree criminal weapon possession, four counts of third-degree criminal weapon possession, one count of fourth-degree criminal weapon possession, and one count of second-degree forgery.

According to Bragg, if convicted, Mangione could get a life sentence without parole. He added that the suspect was facing terrorism charges because Thompson's killing was "intended to evoke terror," adding that "we've seen that reaction."

The DA was referencing the online discourse surrounding the condition of the health insurance industry in the United States. Those investigating the crime scene of Brian Thompson's shooting found shell casings with the words "Deny," "Delay," and "Depose" written on them. These are terms used by insurance companies while denying claims. As a result, several posts online were supposedly seen hailing Luigi Mangione as a hero.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch condemned such responses, stating:

"Let me be perfectly clear. In the nearly two weeks since Mr. Thompson's killing, we have seen a shocking and appalling celebration of cold-blooded murder. Social media has erupted with praise for this cowardly attack."

She continued:

"These are the threats of a lawless, violent mob who would trade in their own vigilanteism for the rule of law that protects us all. Let me say this plainly. There is no heroism in what Mangione did. This was a senseless act of violence."

Tisch asserted that people shouldn't "celebrate murders" or "ionize the killing of anyone."

In addition to the indictment in Manhattan, Luigi Mangione is facing forgery and gun-related charges in Pennsylvania (he was arrested with a 3D-printed gun and a fake ID). He is set to appear in court for the same on December 19. An extradition hearing would follow. Mangione is currently detained at a Pennsylvania state prison.