The arrest of Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked a bizarre phenomenon: a surge in sales of a jacket allegedly worn by the shooter.
Thompson was gunned down outside the New York Hilton Midtown on December 4, 2024, by a masked assailant who fled the scene on a bicycle, prompting a days-long manhunt. Surveillance footage from the incident revealed a distinctive jacket worn by the shooter, which internet communities speculated to be a Levi’s Sherpa Lined Two Pocket Hooded Trucker Jacket. While debates over the exact design persist, the jacket’s popularity has skyrocketed.
According to Macy’s item tracker (via Complex), over 700 similar jackets were sold within two days, turning a grim piece of evidence into an unexpected fashion trend. Reddit forums and social media platforms have seen individuals emulating Mangione’s appearance, with some holding him as a “hero” due to grievances with the healthcare industry. In a macabre twist, a “shooter lookalike contest” was even held in Washington Square Park.
Authorities apprehended Mangione, 26, on Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him. A former Ivy League graduate and intern at Firaxis Games, Mangione was found carrying a 3D-printed “ghost gun,” hollow-point bullets, a loaded Glock magazine, and a manifesto condemning the US healthcare system.
Mangione now faces multiple charges, including murder and weapons offenses, and is expected to be extradited to New York for trial. UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing hope that the arrest would bring some solace to those mourning Thompson’s death.
While the case unfolds, the unexpected fascination with Mangione’s jacket reveals a troubling cultural response to a tragic event. This case has raised concerns about how society responds to acts of violence, with some experts warning against glorifying perpetrators or trivialising such events. The fascination with Mangione’s jacket underscores the disturbing intersection of criminal notoriety and consumer culture, sparking broader discussions on the ethics of profiting from tragedy.