Shooting Suspect Luigi Mangione Celebrated in Merchandise on Etsy and eBay | US News
T-shirts and various merchandise featuring references to New York shooting suspect Luigi Mangione can be found for sale on platforms like Etsy and eBay.
One of the designs displays his image alongside the slogan “Free Luigi, F*** the System”.
On other products, phrases such as “Deny, defend, depose”—reportedly inscribed on the bullets that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO and father of two Brian Thompson—are featured on items like mugs and stickers, with several listings using images sourced from Mangione’s social media profiles.
An artistic rendition of the suspect paired with “Free Luigi” can be found in one of eBay’s UK listings.
Online design tools enable the rapid creation of mock-ups which can be listed for sale, a system known as “print on demand”, where items are only produced after a purchase is made.
It remains uncertain how many of these items have actually been sold.
Suspect Luigi Mangione is escorted into the Blair County Courthouse on Tuesday. Pic: AP
One vendor informed NBC News of his intention to donate any profits from sales to a charity that supports individuals in managing their medical expenses.
Mangione was charged with the murder of the healthcare executive on Monday after being apprehended while dining at a McDonald’s.
Support for Mangione has emerged on social media, with some portraying him as a “hero” and criticizing those who reported him to law enforcement.
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Support for Mangione seems to stem from dissatisfaction with the U.S. healthcare system, with accusations that companies often evade paying for necessary treatments in order to maximize profits.
In a statement, an eBay representative noted that “eBay policies do not prohibit the sale of items featuring the phrase ‘Deny. Defend. Depose,’ however, items that glorify or incite violence, including those that celebrate the recent murder of UHC CEO Brian Thompson, are banned”.
Etsy has not yet provided a response to requests for comment.
Read more:
What we know about Mangione
How shooting sparked online debate
Mangione, 26, got into a scuffle with police during his court escort on Tuesday for an extradition hearing.
Reports indicate that the suspect hails from a well-to-do family and attended private school as well as a prestigious Ivy League university.
Brian Thompson, 50, was the CEO of America’s largest health insurer and a devoted husband and father of two.
He was fatally shot in Manhattan on December 4 by an assailant who approached him from behind.
Mr. Thompson’s wife described him as an “incredibly loving father” to their two sons and characterized him as a “loving, generous, and talented man who truly lived life to the fullest”.
