Luigi Mangione: the young engineer who challenges the healthcare system in the U.S.

Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old computer engineer, has captured the attention of the United States and the entire world after being accused of the shooting murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare. Mangione's arrest has unleashed a true media and social storm, turning him into a pop phenomenon that mixes admiration and controversy. The figure of the young man has transformed into a symbol of the fight against the abuses of the private healthcare system, although his story has twists that complicate the initial narrative of a hero. On December 5, a daylight attack shook New York City. A hooded man fired three shots at Thompson, whose insurance company is the largest in the country. The appearance of a backpack filled with Monopoly money and a weapon that could be veterinary has added an air of mystery to a crime that authorities have categorized as premeditated murder. However, public reaction has been notably different, as many see this act as a justified revenge against the practices of health insurers. Social media has been the battleground for expressing this dangerous and complex fascination. Thousands of testimonies have flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where negative experiences with the healthcare system have found resonance. Many have come to define Mangione as a hero of the working class, a young person fighting against a system that has been labeled as unjust by millions of citizens. From Seattle to Santiago de Chile, Mangione's image has become a symbol of resistance and protest, manifesting in graffiti and murals. Meanwhile, opinion leaders on the right have tried to distance themselves from these reactions, labeling them as extremist. However, the response from the public has been emphatic: many share the frustrations that have led some to see Mangione as a modern Robin Hood. As more information about his past was revealed, from his education at one of the most prestigious universities to his solid economic situation, his status changed. He shifted from being an icon of social justice to a more complex character, akin to Batman, which sparked a deeper debate about his true nature. The figure of the gunman has deep roots in American identity, where the idea of taking justice into one’s own hands has been romanticized. This narrative has been reflected in numerous films and cultural manifestations, where the hero is the one who stands up against oppression. Mangione, in this context, becomes a projection of the accumulated frustration towards a system that many consider broken and abusive. On the other hand, the term "terrorist" has taken on a different weight in public discourse. The negative and ambiguous connotations that accompany this word make its use in Mangione's case more complicated. In a society that has lived under the fear of terrorism, identifying an individual as such can have much broader repercussions. The nature of the crime presents a moral dilemma: is it an act of bravery or a terrorist act? As the prosecution has elevated the charges against Mangione, including first-degree murder and terrorism, it becomes evident that they seek exemplary punishment. The intention behind these charges seems to be sending a clear message: one cannot take justice into their own hands, regardless of how valid the cause may be. This, ironically, places the crime in a space that many consider a political assassination, highlighting the vulnerability of executives in an era where the decisions of insurers affect the lives of millions. The growing sympathy towards Mangione underscores a serious problem in the social safety net system in the United States. This case becomes a manifestation of the general distrust in institutions and the fear that terror policies have cultivated. The historic struggle for rights and social justice has transformed into blind support for an individual, reflecting a crisis of representation and trust in political solutions. Meanwhile, the media has entered the fray, trying to moderate perceptions of the case and reminding the public that violence is not the answer to social problems. However, the political polarization they have fostered over the years complicates their message. As Mangione's case progresses, a crucial question arises: are there really spaces for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution in a context where revenge seems to be the most popular response? The Mangione phenomenon encapsulates a critical moment in the recent history of the United States, where the intersection of politics, health, and pop culture intertwines in unexpected ways. How American society reacts to this case could have profound implications for the future of national discourse and the pursuit of justice in a system that many consider flawed. The narrative, which began as a story of revenge, could evolve into a broader discussion about the need for reforms in healthcare and social justice in the country.