Luigi Mangione and the long legacy of the Unabomber Manifesto

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and being hailed as a vigilante, was formally charged by a federal grand jury on Thursday. The federal indictments include charges of stalking, firearms offenses, and murder using a firearm, which could result in the death penalty if convicted. Additionally, Mangione faces charges from state prosecutors in New York and Pennsylvania, where he was apprehended.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has instructed prosecutors at the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty for Mangione, emphasizing the severity of the case. Bondi stated that Mangione allegedly targeted and killed Thompson, a father and husband, in a planned execution.

Since Thompson’s murder in December, Mangione has sparked controversy as a symbol of frustration with the US healthcare system. His online presence, including his photos and numerous Goodreads reviews, has attracted significant attention. Of particular interest is his review of the “Unabomber Manifesto,” where he reflects on its insights about modern society.

Research fellow Sean Fleming, who studies anti-tech radicalism, has noted similarities between Mangione and the manifesto’s author, Ted Kaczynski. Fleming highlights parallels in their backgrounds and actions, suggesting a possible influence. The Unabomber’s writings have resurfaced in discussions amid growing concerns about technology’s impact on society.

Kaczynski’s manifesto, which advocates for a return to a primitive way of life, has regained relevance in discussions about the drawbacks of modern technology. Despite his extreme views, some of his critiques resonate with contemporary challenges, leading to a renewed interest in his ideas. The manifesto’s enduring appeal lies in its analysis of the mismatch between human biology and the modern world.

As Kaczynski’s ideology gains traction among different radical groups, including neo-Nazis and environmentalists, his uncompromising stance on technology and leftism continues to attract followers. While his proposals for societal change may be controversial, his critiques of modern society remain thought-provoking in today’s context.