Pam Bondi directs prosecutors to seek the death penalty for Mangione

Luigi Mangione is a bipartisan symbol. A symbol of rebellion, a symbol of rejection, a symbol of the people. Yet under the current Trump administration, he is nothing but a pawn. 

From the perils of George Floyd, the current administration has ignored all warning signs, pushing forward for agenda's sake. Pam Bondi, the US attorney-general, has continued this tradition by directing federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty on Mangione. While only charged with premeditated murder, a charge that in most cases warrants at the minimum 25 years in prison before parole, Manigone's case of killing the UnitedHealthCare(UHC) CEO Brian Thompson has been treated radically different by the government. 

Since the beginning of Mangione's reveal, his trial, movement, and life has been sensationalized. For the public, he has become an icon on social media and a political representation for the voiceless, symbolizing the lack of trust in our current systems and a start in the desire for change. 

Within days of his death, people found his pictures, his background, and his beliefs. They created videos,  reels, and articles, glorifying him, which in turn desensitized his profile and murder and brought further attention to his case. 

This attraction was enforced by the dissemination of Mangione's alleged Manifesto. It vocalized and spoke for the millions affected by healthcare: "the US has the #1 most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet we rank roughly #42 in life expectancy... the reality is, these [indecipherable] have simply gotten too powerful, and they continue to abuse our country for immense profit." His words and legacy have led millions of Americans to justify his actions and be "pro-Mangione." 

However, the U.S. government had a different interpretation. One in which the symbolism of his act outweighs the circumstances of his life. He had not become a man, or a killer, but a more like a movement that must be shut down. And they did just that. 

Once he was arrested, Manigone was guided on a perp-walk alongside 30 armed officers and the mayor of New York City around him—visual dominance. He has also been constantly in the media, disseminated information by the government and portrayed using emotionally charged language—controlling the narrative. Mangione has also faced troubles during litigation being placed under gag orders, fast-tracked jury indictments, and reversed standing moratorium on federal executions just for his case—weaponized for spectacle.

His life has become a battle of symbolism, and right now the government is winning. Mangione is a metaphor for rebellion and sign of the increasingly self-aware America. But he is also political leverage to make an example out of to deter future radicalized violence and a way to show that the government is tough on crime, especially for a crime that "shocked America."

Due to this lead, I don't think the death penalty would be going in the right direction, even to extend Trump's plan. Not only is it not especially favored for people on the right—many conservatives have shown disapproval for the decision—historically, death, especially for a sensationalized cases like this, have never been a tool for silencing.

Government attempts to silence movements through executions have repeatedly failed. Nelson Mandela was initially imprisoned, but later became revered. MLK was assassinated, but his legacy inspired further resistance. 

In Floyd's case, thousands of protests spurred across America. Though his death was one of many, it was only due to the sensationalization, social media presence, and history of his case was there a great impact and response. Mangione's shares similarities. His murder was recorded on video. His symbolism applies to millions across America who are directly affected by the U.S. healthcare industry. And his case has been sensationalized at a greater length than any predecessor. 

To give the death penalty is to fall into the same trap that many leaders have fallen into.

Killing someone like Mangione wouldn't silence dissent—it would immortalize him. To execute an icon is to inflame the movement they represent. It turns a victim into a martyr and a grievance into a cause. In fact, history suggests the opposite.  BLM protests led to mass police reforms under the Biden  Administration; even with Trump's authoritarian stance, the overwhelming bipartisan support will lead to concessions. 

While the decision from Bondi, and later declaration to increase death penalty rates might never truly come into fruition, the threat and chance that it might happen might have devastating impacts.