How a murder case fuelled a culture war

Since the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the case against Luigi Mangione has become about more than just the evidence that will be tested in court. Across politics, social media and the news media, competing groups have sought to frame the story through their own lens, linking it to debates about left-wing violence, Antifa, healthcare, political extremism and public anger at powerful institutions.

In this episode, BBC journalist and extremism expert Mike Wendling helps untangle the claims, examining what terms such as "far left" and "Antifa" actually mean, why some commentators have associated them with the case, and what evidence exists about Mangione's political views. The episode also explores how a high-profile criminal case can become a political symbol, even when the facts are disputed and a trial has yet to take place.

Host Jordan Dunbar also looks at parallels from Japan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, asking how public reactions to shocking acts of violence can evolve into wider debates about social grievances, political division and systemic change.

Luigi Mangione denies all charges against him. So how did a murder case become a culture war, and what happens when politics starts shaping the story before a jury hears the evidence?

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Episoder(17)

Luigi Mangione admits killing healthcare boss

Luigi Mangione appears in federal court to plead guilty to killing health insurance CEO Brian Thompson. Jordan Dunbar has the latest developments after a last minute hearing was called in New York. W...

14 Aug 18min

Brand new episodes launch ahead of trial

Jordan Dunbar will be back with new episodes dropping from tomorrow leading up to trial, looking at issues surrounding the Luigi Mangione case.

10 Aug 1min

The Tupac Trial - from Fame Under Fire

Nearly 30 years after Tupac Shakur was fatally shot on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada prosecutors are preparing for the trial of the only person ever charged in connection with the rapper’s death. Duan...

6 Aug 25min

Mangione won’t face death penalty

Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a federal judge has ruled. US District Judge Margaret Garnett dismissed the federal firear...

30 Jan 21min

Court update: The battle over evidence

A marathon three weeks of pre-trial hearing has just ended in Luigi Mangione’s New York state trial - what have we learnt?The defence have been arguing over what evidence should be kept out of the upc...

19 Des 202520min

Court update: Mangione terror charges dropped

This is the podcast that takes a step back to unpick and understand this story, and we'll also be bringing you news updates. A judge in New York state has dismissed two terrorism charges against Lui...

16 Sep 202511min

Politics and appearance: Mangione's supporters explained

A deep dive into the supporters of Luigi Mangione, featuring some exclusive new data, and considering how this case might be influencing US social attitudes to political violence. BBC World Service Di...

14 Mai 202527min