Is he a hero? A murderer? Or perhaps both?

As the week progressed, memes featuring the iconic plumber Luigi from “Super Mario Brothers” flooded social media, coinciding with posts depicting Tony Soprano hailing Luigi Mangione—the man arrested for the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO in Manhattan—as a figure of admiration. The online discourse included flattering remarks about Mangione’s physique, speculation on potential portrayals of him in a “Saturday Night Live” skit, and even statements from individuals in Pennsylvania threatening those who reported sightings of him at a McDonald’s.

This whirlwind of reactions was met with disapproval from Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a rising star within the Democratic party who recently missed out on a vice presidential nomination. He aimed to address the increasing endorsement of what he identifies as “vigilante justice.”

In a polarized media landscape, the intertwining narratives of Luigi Mangione and Brian Thompson have captivated the nation, reflecting how various aspects of American life—ranging from violent confrontations to socio-political discussions and attempts at humor—are linked in unexpected ways.

This phenomenon prompts a precarious question: How can a person be celebrated as a hero while simultaneously facing serious legal allegations that position them as the antithesis of one?

Currently, Mangione is confined in a Pennsylvania jail, awaiting his transfer to New York to face murder charges. Not much is known about his motives, although writings found in his possession expressed a notable disdain for corporate greed and frustration towards what he termed “parasitic” health insurance systems.

Evidence from the crime scene suggested this sentiment, with some bullets inscribed with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—terms often used by critics of the insurance sector. Many posts circulating online suggest a contempt for health insurers, neglecting the tragedy of loss of life while attempting, with varying degrees of success, to inject humor into the discourse.

One anonymous comment on X, which has garnered nearly 2 million views, encapsulated part of this mindset: “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. He was a brave Italian martyr. In this house, Luigi Mangione is a hero, end of story!”

Governor Shapiro responded to such sentiments, seizing an unexpected moment of high stakes as Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. His remarks—direct, impassioned, and politically charged—pulled the online conversation into a more tangible realm.

“We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” Shapiro stated. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.”

However, some citizens seem to disagree, romanticizing Mangione as a figure in a mold similar to legendary outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde or John Dillinger.

Regina Bateson, an assistant professor in political science at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studied vigilantism and believes this incident doesn’t align neatly with that concept, as the victim has no known connection to a specific wrongdoing. Instead, she posits it may align more closely with domestic terrorism, noting an uptick in threats against public officials and rising acceptance of political violence within the discourse surrounding these events.

Frustrated with the softening perception of Mangione, Shapiro praised the police and local community members who adhered to the 9/11-era principle of “see something, say something.” He emphasized that true heroism lies with those who reported Mangione, not with him.

Voices of dissent against health insurers have surged, with many sharing stories of their frustrations. Tim Anderson, whose late wife battled a health crisis compounded by claim denials from UnitedHealthcare, lamented, “The business model for insurance is don’t pay.”

The discussions surrounding Mangione’s actions extend beyond memes; they highlight the complex interplay of various societal elements. Conversations online reveal a spectrum of opinions, with one user reflecting on being banned for defending Kyle Rittenhouse, who claimed self-defense in a 2020 shooting incident. The user posed a thought-provoking question regarding the potential consequences of expressing support for Mangione.

The comments reflect broader concerns, with some stating the UnitedHealthcare incident transcends political affiliations, inquiring about the boundaries for online expression.

“What you probably need to do is cross over into endorsing violence,” one user mused, “Not simply jesting about your indifference toward this guy.”

All things considered, the case surrounding Mangione has not only captured public attention but also stirred a wealth of opinions, echoing far and wide from anonymous individuals to the governor of Pennsylvania. The situation at hand stands as a reminder of how individuals can swiftly become polarizing icons within a meme-driven society filled with competing narratives.