President Donald Trump's America woke up to news of a disturbing precursory incident involving Luigi Mangione, the man charged with the homicide of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Months before the fatal shooting, Mangione had allegedly been assaulted by a group of trans-identifying women in Bangkok during a backpacking trip. This revelation comes via WhatsApp messages shared by Mangione with friends, detailing his experiences in Asia before returning to the United States in July 2024.
The incident in Thailand occurred before the tragic event in December of the same year, when Thompson was shot and killed, a case that has since garnered national attention. In one particular message, Mangione described an attack by individuals he referred to as "ladyboys," including a photograph of the injuries he sustained, showing scratches and bruising on his arm.
Mangione, a University of Pennsylvania graduate, set out on a solo journey through Asia in early 2024. His travels led to a friendship with soccer player Christian Sacchini, among others. Sacchini, who met Mangione in a Bangkok pub, recalled discussions they had about video games and the American healthcare system. Mangione was particularly struck by the affordability of medical procedures in Thailand compared to the United States, noting the low cost of an MRI.
Born to a wealthy Maryland family, Mangione later sought tranquility in Japan's Mount Omine mountains, intending to meditate and write. However, people he met during this period noted a change in his behavior, from being social to increasingly isolating himself. Juntaro Mihara, who runs a guesthouse where Mangione stayed, described him as quiet and minimally interactive.
Upon returning to San Francisco, Mangione cut off communication with family and friends, with his social media activity already having ceased months prior, which raised concerns among acquaintances. A diary entry from August revealed Mangione's mental state, expressing a clear intent to target what he perceived as systemic injustice in the healthcare industry.
On December 4, 2024, the day of the shooting, law enforcement found shell casings at the scene with the words "delay," "deny," and "depose," phrases that critique insurance company practices. After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the alleged crime. Since his arrest, Mangione has amassed a following of supporters who commend the targeted nature of his action, a response labeled as cult-like. Maintaining his innocence, Mangione pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his next federal court appearance scheduled for December 5.
