Luigi Mangione’s supporters have remained unswayed by his guilty plea Friday to charges including the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, continuing to defend the 28-year-old and framing his actions as a political protest.
Mangione pleaded guilty in Manhattan federal court to two stalking charges and admitted to the December 2024 slaying of Thompson. Outside the courthouse, supporters gathered to voice their continued allegiance.
"I see it more of a revolutionary act of protest, the likes of which we haven’t seen since the civil rights era," said Abril Rios, 27, who identified herself as a "Mangionista" and a political advocate. Rios expressed a hope that Thompson’s death would be the last stemming from the healthcare industry, advocating for an end to violence and profit motives within healthcare.
Christina Marani, another supporter, suggested that Thompson’s death, while unfortunate, had brought necessary attention to systemic issues within health insurance. "In a way, it’s really unfortunate that someone had to die to spark the conversations that we’re now having, but unfortunately that’s the way it is," Marani stated. She added, "His death resulted in us having these tough conversations about health care inequality and people suffering in America." While not explicitly condoning the act, she acknowledged the impact of the event, saying, "Not necessarily worth it, but I can understand the effects that have come from it."
Paulette "Pauley" Thompson, Brian Thompson's widow, was also present at the court on the day of the guilty plea.