00:00The internet is thirsting over this suspected assassin. But how exactly did a high-profile
00:04hit turn the primary suspect into an internet celebrity? Luigi Mangione is a 26-year-old
00:09who's believed to be the suspect in the high-profile execution of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
00:14While the internet usually has a big reaction to alleged criminals, a good portion of the
00:19online reaction to this one has been unusually supportive. As word spread of the crime,
00:23reactions poured in across the web, with an overwhelming number of users showing support
00:27for the gunman, sharing unexpectedly positive takes, reflecting public frustrations with
00:31UnitedHealthcare's practices and the largely corporate nature of the U.S. healthcare system
00:35in general. On December 5th, unmasked photos of the person of interest were shared to X by
00:39the NYPD. The photos only fueled the support for the alleged assassin, as many were quick
00:44to compliment his riz and simp over the suspect's handsome smile. On December 9th, the police
00:49located their person of interest, who was identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione.
00:53Mangione was detained at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, reportedly carrying a manifesto,
00:58a fake ID, and a ghost firearm that matched the description of the firearm used to kill Thompson.
01:03With the reveal of his identity, internet sleuths were quick to dig up images of Mangione,
01:07as well as information about him, including his prior social media activity,
01:11all of which fueled the internet frenzy. For example, one X user posted photos of Mangione
01:16with the caption, The manhunt has now ended with investigators declaring too hot to convict.
01:20In addition to simping over his looks, users also made jokes surrounding his Italian-sounding name,
01:25with some memes even imagining him as Luigi from Super Mario Bros.
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