Former classmates of the suspected shooter, Luigi Mangione, are struggling to come to terms with the accusations against him in the tragic killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson on a New York sidewalk. The individuals who knew Mangione from various stages of his life have expressed shock and disbelief at the news.
Two fraternity brothers of Mangione shared their astonishment, with one describing the situation as 'unbelievable.' They both emphasized that Mangione had never exhibited any extreme or concerning behavior during their time together. Mangione was known for his dedication to his coursework, often spending his free time playing video games and watching sports with friends.
One of the men remarked, 'I feel like it’s a cliché, everybody is like, ‘He was a quiet guy,’ but like he was even more normal than that.' Another University of Pennsylvania classmate recalled Mangione as a 'totally normal guy,' while a former roommate mentioned that although they didn't delve into political discussions, Mangione came across as a thoughtful individual.
Freddie Leatherbury, who attended an all-boys private school with Mangione, described him as someone who had everything going for him but remained humble and approachable. Another high school classmate expressed disbelief at the news, highlighting Mangione's brilliance and academic prowess. The former classmate praised Mangione's intellectual capabilities, citing his ability to produce high-quality work under pressure.
Reflecting on their interactions with Mangione, the high school classmate stated, 'If I opened my yearbook and was asked, ‘Who are your favorite people in your class?’ He would have been like in the top 10 or 15. He’s a great guy. He was just somebody who… I mean, his brain was just like next level.'
