'Cougars for Luigi' Flock to Court in 20-Degree Chill
CCTV photo released by the NYPD showing the suspect in the Brian Thompson killing at the HI New York City Hostel. Public domain.
Dozens of women, some proudly calling themselves "Cougars for Luigi," have been braving freezing temperatures and camping out for days just to catch a glimpse of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. These supporters, many sporting "Free Luigi" shirts and clutching homemade signs, have transformed the Manhattan Supreme Court into a hub of fervent fandom and protest. The courtroom has become a stage where a mix of political outrage and personal idolization plays out as Mangione faces serious charges, including murder and a federal death-penalty prosecution.
The Mangionistas: A Dedicated Following
Known as the "Mangionistas," these supporters have reportedly made it a point to attend every court hearing since Mangione's arrest nearly a year ago. They arrive early, sometimes days ahead, setting up tents and heaters to withstand the bitter cold. Ashley, one of the fans, said they had been camping since Saturday night to secure a spot, as reported by the New York Post. April, an Instagram "activist," brought a heater and a tent after freezing at a previous hearing. Leena, an Instagram singer, expressed doubts about the evidence, suggesting it might have been planted to frame Mangione saying, "Basically, I feel like if Luigi is the guy, he was too smart to just be found five days later with all this evidence on him."
Inside the courtroom, Mangione reportedly appeared in regular clothes but was shackled, a detail that pleased his fans who had hoped for a less restrained appearance. The supporters often wear green, a nod to the Nintendo character Luigi, whom Mangione shares a name with. According to The Daily Beast, the defendant frequently scanned the crowd, though he did not seem to recognize anyone personally.
Idolizing a Modern-Day Robin Hood
Many of Mangione's supporters view him as a modern-day Robin Hood figure, striking back against what they see as a corrupt and deadly health-insurance system. Drew Robinson, a Medicaid recipient who has struggled with coverage issues, said "I guess most Americans have experience of the healthcare system screwing them over," as reported by The Times. Protesters held signs bearing the phrase "Delay, Deny, Dispose," words engraved on bullet casings found at the crime scene and used by critics to describe insurance claim denials.
This anger at corporate America has morphed into a strange form of idol worship. According to The Times, supporters have raised nearly $1.4 million for Mangione's legal defense and sell "Free Luigi" merchandise, including T-shirts and candles depicting him as a saint. Some fans write romantic fan fiction about him on Tumblr, while others identify as "Cougars for Luigi" or "Latinas for Mangione," highlighting the diverse and sometimes contradictory nature of his following.
Critics Voice Concern
Critics have expressed alarm at the public fascination with a man accused of a brutal murder. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, Heather Mac Donald, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, questioned America's morality in light of the celebration surrounding Mangione, saying, "What the heck is going on with America's moral compass," as reported by The Times. Psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert warned that elevating grievance over morality erodes shared norms and public safety, making violence seem like a legitimate response to feeling wronged.
Meanwhile, some supporters frame Mangione as a victim of a politicized justice system. The legal defense fund for Mangione was reportedly established even before a suspect was named, anticipating a harsh prosecution aimed at making an example of him.
A Global Network of Support
Mangione's fanbase extends far beyond the courtroom. He reportedly receives up to 115 letters a day from supporters in more than 54 countries, which he painstakingly answers. According to The Times, a group called Stats 4 Lulu tracks and analyzes data related to his case, including the volume of letters and donations to his legal fund. This grassroots activism has spawned private Discord groups, social media accounts with tens of thousands of followers, and online shops selling Mangione-themed merchandise.
The online world has amplified the intensity of the fandom, with supporters dissecting every court appearance and letter for hidden meanings. Some speculate about Mangione's clothing choices as signals to his followers. The fervor has drawn comparisons to the fan culture surrounding infamous criminals like Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, but unlike those cases, Mangione's story is unfolding in real time.
Legal Battles and Courtroom Drama
Mangione's legal team is currently fighting to exclude diary entries and other evidence seized during his arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania. They reportedly argue the warrantless search of his backpack was illegal, as he was already in handcuffs and separated from the bag by armed officers. Prosecutors deny these claims and maintain the evidence is crucial to the case.
A judge recently dismissed a terrorism charge against Mangione, citing insufficient evidence that the crime met the state's definition of terrorism. However, the federal death-penalty prosecution remains active, with Attorney General Pam Bondi directing prosecutors to pursue the harshest penalties as part of a broader agenda to combat violent crime.
The Contradiction of a Folk Hero
The spectacle surrounding Luigi Mangione reveals a striking contradiction. While the alleged crime — a targeted assassination of a corporate executive — is horrific, many of his supporters seem more invested in idolizing him than seeking justice or expressing empathy for the victim. This blend of anti-establishment rage and romantic fixation has created a cult-like following that continues to grow with each court appearance.
As one supporter put it, Mangione is seen as a "hero and a soldier for the American people," someone who "killed a terrorist, a mass murderer," as reported by The Times. Others acknowledge the brutality of the act but argue that the systemic failures of the healthcare industry are a form of violence that goes unpunished.
Prosecutors have reportedly alleged that Mangione inspired other violent acts, including a mass shooting at the NFL headquarters in Manhattan. These claims remain part of ongoing investigations.
According to The Times, a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll released in September found that 30% of Americans believe people may have to resort to violence to achieve political ends, marking the highest percentage recorded in recent history — reflecting a growing concern about political violence in the country.
Whether this fervor will influence the outcome of Mangione's trial remains to be seen. For now, the "Cougars for Luigi" and their fellow supporters continue to fill the courtroom and the internet, turning a murder trial into a cultural phenomenon that challenges traditional notions of justice and fandom.
References: Luigi Mangione fans line up for chance to see alleged cold-blooded killer in NYC court | Meet the 'Cougars for Luigi Mangione' - and new fans of the alleged killer | Smiling Luigi Mangione Scopes Out Fans in Wild Courtroom Scene | An Inside Look at the World of Luigi Mangione's Most Fervent Supporters
