After being on the run for the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, Luigi Mangione (26) was finally apprehended on Monday, December 9, 2024.

He was arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Altoona, Pennsylvania, following a tip from one of the restaurant’s employees. However, Mangione’s capture has not garnered widespread support online.

Despite his arrest, many netizens in the U.S. have expressed open support for Mangione. They see him as standing up to the health insurance industry, which has long been criticized for refusing claims, often leading to devastating consequences for policyholders.

Angry netizens have gone as far as labeling Mangione a “hero” who dared to challenge corrupt corporations and the flawed system.

“Instead of arresting him, all CEOs of health insurance companies should be held accountable for the countless deaths caused by their greed!” one netizen declared regarding the case.

The hashtag #FreeLuigi quickly trending.

Mangione’s actions were not seen as a personal attack on Thompson but rather as an expression of frustration with what he viewed as the oppressive practices of the health insurance industry.

According to Kompas.id, when Mangione was arrested, he was carrying a three-page handwritten document. Surprisingly, the document did not mention Thompson or UnitedHealthcare. Instead, it contained sharp criticisms of the U.S. healthcare system.

Authorities have only disclosed two sentences from what they described as a manifesto, though its contents remain largely undisclosed.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, however, condemned the public’s support for Mangione, emphasizing that the young man was no hero.

“In America, we do not resolve policy disagreements or express our views by killing people in cold blood,” Shapiro stated on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, a UnitedHealth Group spokesperson expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts leading to Mangione’s arrest.

“We hope today’s arrest provides some measure of comfort to Brian’s family, friends, colleagues, and everyone else affected by this unspeakable tragedy,” the spokesperson said in a statement. (red).