Ivy League murder suspect's alma mater UPenn silent on CEO assassination after professor's celebratory post

The University of Pennsylvania, where suspected gunman Luigi Mangione earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees, has refused to comment publicly on its alum’s arrest in the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 

When asked multiple times for comment via email and phone, a UPenn spokesperson would only share that Mangione graduated on May 18, 2020 with bachelors and master’s degrees and minored in mathematics. He earned degrees in engineering and was part of the Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society for Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Cornell Law Professor William Jacobson, president of the Legal Insurrection Foundation and of EqualProtect.org, told Fox News Digital that the school could be withholding comment because it is “afraid of the students” at the liberal institution, considering that “[its] campus has been a hotbed for anti-American, anti-Israeli, antisemitic outbursts and protests.”

A UPenn spokesperson said that Alekseyeva had “retracted” her comments after realizing they were “insensitive and inappropriate.”

“Much concern was raised by recent social media posts attributed to Assistant Professor Julia Alekseyeva,” the spokesperson wrote. “Her comments regarding the shooting of Brian Thompson in New York City were antithetical to the values of both the School of Arts and Sciences and the University of Pennsylvania, and they were not condoned by the School or the University.”

UPenn campus in Philadelphia

The University of Pennsylvania campus is seen in Philadelphia. (Jumping Rocks/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

However, the school did not name Mangione or condemn Thompson’s assassination. 

“It seems odd that they can’t offer generic condolences about his death without commenting on the guilt or innocence of their alum,” Jacobson said.

In contrast, the headmaster of the small private academy where Mangione attended high school issued a statement the same day that the former valedictorian was arrested. 

Luigi Mangione

Luigi Mangione was taken into custody in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday morning in connection with the ambush murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. (Luigi Mangione/Facebook)

“We recently became aware that the person arrested in connection with the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO is a Gilman alumnus, Luigi Mangione, Class of 2016,” Henry P. A. Smyth, headmaster of the Gilman School in Baltimore, said. “We do not have any information other than what is being reported in the news… This is deeply distressing news on top of an already awful situation. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.”

A general view of the Gilman School in Baltimore, Maryland

A general view of the Gilman School in Baltimore on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. Luigi Mangione, who was arrested in Pennsylvania for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, graduated from the school in 2016. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)

The Ivy League university’s silence on the national news involving its graduate comes a year after former Penn President Liz Magill declined to outright state that calls for the genocide of Jewish people constitute bullying or harassment under Penn’s code of conduct during a congressional hearing. 

Liz Magill

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill listens during a hearing of the House Committee on Education on Capitol Hill on Dec. 5, 2023, in Washington. Magill resigned amid pressure from donors and criticism over testimony at a congressional hearing where she was unable to say under repeated questioning that calls on campus for the genocide of Jews would violate the school’s conduct policy. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Magill resigned four days after the hearing, on Dec. 11 of last year, ahead of a Board of Trustees meeting on whether she could continue to effectively fundraise and lead the university after the backlash against her handling of antisemitism at the school.

“I don’t know if [refusing to comment is] the lesson they’ve learned, but I do know that schools and companies in general, their standard PR pattern is to not comment on things – it may be in completely good faith, what they’re saying,” Jacobson said. “Or it might be something else.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
SARAH VINE: Holy smoke! Meghan has shocked us by playing a real blinder

“Sarah Vine: Meghan Surprises Everyone with a Stellar Performance”

Pity poor Princess (sic) Meghan. Just days from the launch of her…
Who are the victims of LA fires? Everything we know about the residents killed as death toll reaches 16

Identifying the Victims of LA Fires: Updates on Residents Lost as Death Toll Climbs to 16

At least 16 people have been killed in the deadly wildfires still…
Special Counsel Jack Smith formally resigns from Justice Department

Jack Smith, Special Counsel, Steps Down from the Justice Department

Jack Smith, who was investigating Donald Trump for alleged interference with the…
I am 31 and dying of cancer - I always did 'everything right' but have one huge regret. Don't make my mistake

Avoid my mistake: at 31, dying of cancer even after I did everything right, I have one big regret

Amanda Hedges will never forgive herself for ‘forgetting to live’. The 31-year-old…
California wildfire survivor shares story of narrowly saving his own house from Eaton Fire: 'A miracle'

Survivor of California wildfire recounts how he miraculously saved his home from Eaton Fire

A survivor of the Eaton Fire that ravaged the Altadena area in…
Trump rips 'incompetent' Democrats over deadly LA fire chaos as Newsom hits back with 'disinformation' claim

Conflicting statements between Trump and Newsom regarding LA fire chaos and Democrat responses

Donald Trump raged against California politicians for incompetence in dealing with the…
Veterans To Rally for Hegseth in a Show of Force on Confirmation Day

Veterans to Show Support for Hegseth during Confirmation Day Rally

Last Updated on January 11, 2025 This Tuesday, the streets of Washington,…
Influential leader of Canada's Ontario province seeks Trump, Musk meeting: US 'needs us like we need them'

Key leader from Ontario, Canada pursues meeting with Trump and Musk, stating that the US relies on us as much as we rely on them.

In 2012, the premier and his late brother, Rob, who was mayor…
Southern California flames: Los Angeles wildfires death toll rises as crews fight heavy winds to save homes and landmarks

Increasing Death Toll in Los Angeles Wildfires as Crews Battle Strong Winds to Protect Homes and Landmarks in Southern California

LOS ANGELES — The death toll from the wildfires in the Los…
Prince Harry's jibe to James Corden at raucous soiree that meant David Beckham had to play peacemaker. Secret row is talk of showbiz elites - and the story's so good I can't not spill the beans: KATIE HIND

Prince Harry playfully teased James Corden at a lively party causing David Beckham to intervene. The private disagreement is the hot topic among celebrity circles – and the juicy details are too tempting not to share: KATIE HIND.

During a lunch with a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, an…
LAPD responds to Kamala Harris' California home in Palisades Fire evacuation zone, 2 men detained: reports

LAPD goes to Kamala Harris’ residence in California during Palisades Fire evacuation area, where 2 individuals are held: sources

The Los Angeles Police Department was called to Vice President Harris’ home…
America's most expensive natural disasters in recent decades

Costliest natural disasters in America in recent years

Over the last several decades, various types of natural disasters have wreaked…