Real-life killer among us? Luigi Mangione’s gaming ties spark debate

Luigi Mangione, charged with UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder, played 'Among Us'. game fuels theories.

Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has come under scrutiny for his involvement in the popular online game Among Us. Known for its premise of secret assassins hiding among a group, the game’s mechanics have drawn ironic parallels to the real-life charges Mangione faces.

Alejandro Romero, a University of Pennsylvania student who was part of Mangione’s Discord gaming group, expressed his shock upon learning about the accusations. “I just found it extremely ironic that, you know, we were in this game and there could actually be a true killer among us,” Romero said.

Mangione, a Maryland native, was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him from wanted posters. Though Mangione appeared to his friends as a typical college student, his post-college social media activity revealed complex political views and an admiration for figures like Ted Kaczynski, adding layers to his enigmatic persona.

Adding to the controversy, Among Us’s official Twitter account (@AmongUsGame) posted a cryptic “um” shortly after news of Mangione’s gaming habits surfaced. Fans quickly speculated that the tweet was a subtle response to the situation. While the developers have yet to clarify the intent behind the tweet, it has fueled online discussions linking the game to Mangione’s case.

Romero reflected on the bizarre juxtaposition of Mangione’s alleged actions and their shared gaming experience. “I feel like people are unsure how to label him. I’m personally struggling to understand how this all fits,” he said.

um

— Among Us 🚀 (@AmongUsGame) December 10, 2024

As investigations continue, the eerie connection between Mangione’s gaming history and the serious charges against him remains a topic of fascination and debate.