Free Republic

The left’s glamorization of political violence begins as performance, but history shows how quickly chic nihilism can become something far darker. Brian Thompson’s shooter suspect in hostel CCTV. (security camera, Wikimedia Commons)On the morning of May 18, 2026, on the granite steps of Manhattan’s Criminal Courts Building, three chic women arranged themselves like starlets at Cannes. The heels. The practiced hip-thrust. Weight cocked to one side, chin down, eyes up. With enough mascara between them to repaint Gracie Mansion. But the most revealing part, the part that showed the most skin, was the laminated press credential blessed by the office...

Weissbrot is one of three supporters of Mangione who are referred to online as “Mangionistas." One of the fangirl “journalists” who has publicly supported Luigi Mangione is reportedly the daughter of a senior healthcare executive at CVS Health. Lena Weissbrot is the daughter of Reina Natero, a longtime pharmaceutical industry executive who oversees prescription drug insurance coverage rules at CVS Health. Natero has worked in the industry for more than two decades. Weissbrot is one of three supporters of Mangione who are referred to online as “Mangionistas.” They recently gained attention during Mangione’s pre-trial hearings after receiving New York City...

Faith FactsLuigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has attracted disturbing fan worship from Americans celebrating violenceCultural critics warn of an emerging ‘assassination culture’ where murder is glamorized and political violence is normalizedThe breakdown of shared moral values rooted in the sanctity of life threatens the foundation of civil society and democratic governanceThe troubling case of Luigi Mangione has exposed a dark undercurrent in American culture that should alarm every person of faith and conscience. Accused of the cold-blooded murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, Mangione has inexplicably become a folk hero to a disturbing number...

Faith FactsLuigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has attracted disturbing fan worship from Americans celebrating violenceCultural critics warn of an emerging ‘assassination culture’ where murder is glamorized and political violence is normalizedThe breakdown of shared moral values rooted in the sanctity of life threatens the foundation of civil society and democratic governanceThe troubling case of Luigi Mangione has exposed a dark undercurrent in American culture that should alarm every person of faith and conscience. Accused of the cold-blooded murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan, Mangione has inexplicably become a folk hero to a disturbing number...