The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shook Manhattan last week in a case that captured national attention. Luigi Mangionea 26-year-old young man and graduate of the Ivy Leaguewas accused of committing the crime. He was arrested in Pennsylvania a few days later, in possession of a firearm and a silencer made with 3D printers, along with a manifesto containing messages hostile to corporations.
According to the authorities, Glutton He was facing health problems that he described as debilitating in online posts. Despite this, the exact motive for the attack is still under investigation, although his manifesto and previous statements point to resentment towards the corporate and healthcare system.
The accused of the murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcareshared extensively on social media about the health problems that affected him in recent years. CNN detailed that, in a series of publications in Redditwhich have now been deleted, the defendant stated that he suffered from chronic back pain caused by an accident while surfing and another subsequent incident in 2022. These events aggravated his condition, diagnosed as spondylolisthesiswhich caused numbness in his lower back and extremities, as well as intense episodes of pain when sitting.
In addition to his back problems, Mangione wrote about other ailments, including Lyme disease and persistent “brain fog,” which he described as a debilitating experience that affected his academic performance during his time at university. In his posts, he expressed frustration toward the lack of understanding of his environment and toward the limitations of the medical system in treating his symptoms.
In a review of the 1995 manifesto of the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynskipublished in early 2024, Mangione wrote that it was “easy to dismiss this manifesto as that of a lunatic” to avoid facing the “uncomfortable problems” he points out. While he called the subject “a violent individual, justly imprisoned,” he suggested that his actions were “more precisely those of an extreme political revolutionary.”
In the same review, Mangione cited a Reddit comment that described Kaczynski’s actions as “war and revolution,” praising his rejection of peaceful protests that, according to the user, “have gotten us nowhere.” He also shared the statement that “’Violence never solved anything’ is a phrase uttered by cowards and predators.” These publications shed light on ideas Mangione may have explored in the months leading up to the murder, raising questions about his motivations and his connection to radical discourses.
RJ Martinfriend of the accused and the founder of the community Surfbreakrecounted the problems that Mangione suffered in an interview with The New York Times. The man said that Thompson’s killer confided to him that he did not have any romantic relationship due to a serious back problem that made it impossible for him to date or have sexual relations.
“I remember him telling me and it breaks my heart,” said Martin, who explained that Mangione’s spine was “a little misaligned,” a situation that could have affected a nerve. “Sometimes he did well and other times he didn’t,” he said when sharing details about the shooter’s health condition.
Despite his deteriorating health, in 2023, the subject claimed to have found relief through spinal fusion surgery, which he described as a turning point that allowed him to walk without the need for medication. However, his subsequent social isolation and growing resentment toward corporate and healthcare institutions raise questions about how these experiences may have influenced his recent actions.
The spondylolisthesis is a spinal disorder in which one vertebra slides forward on the lower vertebra. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) In the United States, this condition can cause back pain, stiffness, and other neurological problems if it affects the nerves in the spine.
Main types:
- Degenerative: More common in older adults, caused by wear and tear of the spinal joints.
- Isthmica: Result of a stress fracture in a specific part of the vertebra, more common in young athletes.
- Dysplasia: Present from birth due to spinal malformations.
- Traumatic: Consequence of acute injuries.
- Pathological: Associated with diseases such as infections or tumors.
Symptoms:
- Lower back pain, especially when standing or walking.
- Stiffness and reduction in range of motion.
- Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs.
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower extremities if the nerves are compressed.
Diagnosis:
- It is performed through x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) to determine the severity of the slip and its impact on surrounding tissues.
Treatment:
- Conservative: Includes physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and exercises to strengthen the core muscles.
- Surgical: Indicated in serious cases. Spinal fusion surgery is common to stabilize the affected vertebra and relieve symptoms.
Most patients can control symptoms with appropriate treatment, although in severe cases surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent complications.
It is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (and in rare cases, Borrelia mayonii), transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, mainly black-legged or deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, it is the most common disease that is transmitted by these insects in the country.
Main symptoms:
- Initial stage (days or weeks after the bite): Appearance of a characteristic rash called erythema migranswhich is often shaped like a target. Fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain.
- Early disseminated stage (weeks to months): Joint pain, neck stiffness, and neurological symptoms such as facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy). In advanced cases, heart problems such as palpitations may occur.
- Late stage (months to years if untreated): Severe arthritis, especially in the knees, and persistent neurological symptoms such as tingling or memory problems.
Treatment:
The disease is effectively treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, amoxicillin or cefuroxime, especially if diagnosed in early stages. In more advanced cases, it may require prolonged and sometimes intravenous treatments.
The brain fog Brain fog is not an official medical diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe a feeling of confusion, lack of mental clarity, or difficulty concentrating. According to the United States National Institute of Health (NIH)the illness can be a symptom associated with various underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or prolonged stress.
Common characteristics of brain fog:
- Difficulty concentrating: Problems maintaining attention on specific tasks.
- Memory problems: Frequent forgetfulness or difficulty remembering recent information.
- Feeling confused: Inability to think clearly or solve problems effectively.
- Mental fatigue: Feeling of mental exhaustion even after resting.
Common causes:
- Stress and anxiety: Prolonged states of stress can affect cognitive function.
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions such as fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, lupus, and long COVID are associated with this symptom.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of vitamin B12 or dehydration may contribute.
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, such as in pregnancy or menopause, can cause brain fog.
- Medications: Some treatments, such as chemotherapy, can induce this effect.
Treatment:
Managing brain fog involves identifying and treating the underlying cause. This may include:
- Improve sleep quality.
- Reduce stress through relaxation techniques.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
- Consult with a physician to evaluate underlying conditions and adjust medications, if necessary.
The young man accused of the murder of the CEO of UnitedHealthcarecomes from a prominent and wealthy family of Baltimoreknown for its success in the business sector. Your grandfather, Nicholas Mangionebuilt a real estate empire that included nursing homes and country clubs in the city’s suburbs. During his youth, Luigi He participated as a volunteer in the family business, Lorien Health Systemswhile attending high school.
In the academic field, the detainee stood out from an early age, being a student with high grades in his class at the prestigious Gilman School in Baltimore in 2016. He continued his training at the University of Pennsylvaniawhere he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science, with a specialization in mathematics. During his time in college, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, founded a video game development club, and worked as a counselor for summer programs at Stanford.
Despite his achievements and being described by those who knew him as a humble and approachable person, the turn in his life towards social isolation and eventual violence has perplexed friends and family, who remember his formative years as a period filled with of potential and opportunities.
In the months before the murder, Luigi Mangione showed a significant change in his behavior, marked by social isolation and a growing interest in issues related to political violence and criticism of the corporate system. According to authorities, the man was carrying a manifesto at the time of his arrest that contained phrases such as “these parasites deserved it” and expressions of rejection of capitalism and large corporations.
Although he had previously maintained an active presence on social networks, sharing readings and aspects of his personal life, the accused stopped publishing in mid-2023. During that period, friends and acquaintances tried unsuccessfully to contact him, concerned about his sudden disappearance from the social sphere.
In previous posts, he had expressed frustration with the limitations of the healthcare system, citing his personal experience with debilitating illnesses such as Lyme disease and chronic back pain. Additionally, he expressed interest in controversial texts, including a favorable review of the manifesto of the Unabomberwhich he described as a “prophetic” critique of modern society.
These signs, along with the discovery of homemade weapons in his possession, have led authorities to investigate possible links between his personal and health problems, and an anti-establishment ideology that could have influenced his actions.
