Racial Misidentification: Lessons from the D.C. Sniper Case Echo in Luigi Mangione's Arrest
By Rob Redding
Editor & Publisher
NEW YORK, December 10, 2024, Noon ET — The arrest of Luigi Mangione in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked discussions about racial identity and perception in America, highlighting the complex history of Italian-Americans and racial classification in the United States.
Initially, police described the suspect as a tall "white male." However, after surveillance images from a hostel showed Mangione briefly removing his mask, some reports described him as "Italian or Latino," groups not traditionally seen as white in America, though some individuals may self-identify as such.
The Mirror reported last week:
"As for his physical description, Dr. Susan Constantine believes the gunman has a small build, somewhere around 5'9, and believes he has smaller feet, in the men's size 9 range. ‘This guy is younger, in his twenties and in good physical condition- he's trim, lean, athletic, he's also a charismatic guy,’ she theorized. ‘People like to be around him, you see that in his smile, it's a genuine smile.'
"She said his facial structure might suggest he is of ethnic descent. 'It's interesting to look at his nose structure, it's bulbous in the end, he's from some latin ethnic background, not a white male. He looks like he's someone of a different descent, maybe Italian.'
"'He has good bone structure, he's a very handsome guy. Very identifiable,' she added."
As we now know, he turned out to be Italian and 26 years old.
D.C. sniper attacks in 2002
Similarly, the case of the D.C. sniper attacks in 2002 presents a notable instance of racial confusion in identifying suspects, similar to the ongoing discussions surrounding Luigi Mangione's arrest. Initially, law enforcement and the media widely assumed that the sniper was a lone white male, which proved to be incorrect. This assumption led to misguided profiling, as Police Chief Charles Moose focused on searching for white suspects in white vans, disregarding evidence that pointed to black suspects in a blue Chevrolet Caprice. The media and public also shared this assumption, which may have impeded the investigation.
The incorrect racial profile resulted in police overlooking eyewitness reports of the actual suspects' vehicle, which had been spotted multiple times during the month of killings. Eventually, it was revealed that the two snipers were black Muslims, John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, challenging preconceived notions about the racial identity of mass shooters. This misstep in racial profiling not only hindered the FBI investigation but also potentially led to more deaths as the investigation continued. The D.C. sniper case underscores how preconceived notions about race can significantly impact criminal investigations and media coverage, leading to dangerous oversights and delays in apprehending suspects.
Mangione's background
Mangione's background adds another layer to this discussion. He hails from a prominent and wealthy family with deep roots in Maryland, known for their real estate ventures including the Turf Valley Resort and Hayfields Country Club in Ellicott City. The family patriarch, Nick Mangione Sr., built a significant business empire that includes Lorien Health Services, a nursing home and assisted living company.
Luigi's uncle, Pete Mangione, continues to manage the Turf Valley Resort as its general manager. The family also owns Lorien Health Services, a nursing home and assisted living company. Luigi's cousin, Nino Mangione, is a Maryland state legislator. The Mangione family has a history of philanthropy, donating to various healthcare institutions and cultural organizations in the Baltimore area. Despite their wealth and influence, the family has expressed shock and devastation over Luigi's arrest and the tragic events surrounding the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Italians seen as Blacks
This case brings to light the historical complexities of racial classification for Italian-Americans. According to the book "White on Arrival: Italians, Race, Color, and Power in Chicago, 1890-1945" by Thomas A. Guglielmo, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants, despite being legally classified as "free white persons," often found themselves socially reclassified as black, particularly in the South. This reclassification stemmed from their economic circumstances and social interactions, such as taking jobs typically associated with African-Americans and living in close proximity to African-American communities.
The ambiguous racial status of Italians during this period exposed them to similar prejudices and violence faced by African-Americans, including derogatory terms and instances of mob violence. This historical context reveals the fluidity of racial identities in America's past and the intricate interplay between race, class, and occupation.
As the investigation into the shooting of Brian Thompson continues, the case of Luigi Mangione serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities surrounding racial identity and perception in American society. The Mangione family, known for their philanthropy in the Baltimore area, has expressed shock and devastation over Luigi's arrest and the tragic events surrounding the shooting.
(Rob Redding is known as America's Independent Voice. His show, Redding News Review Unrestricted, is available exclusively to subscribers on his website, ReddingNewsReview.com).