FACT CHECK: Image Claiming To Show Luigi Mangione In Orange Prison Jumpsuit Is AI-Generated

A photo shared on Threads, the sixth one in a series, allegedly shows Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspected shooter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 

Verdict: False

Putting the image into online AI image detectors yields results indicating that it is AI-generated.

Fact Check: 

Mangione was extradited to New York by helicopter, where he will face charges for Thompson’s fatal shooting, according to BBC. A judge read out his four federal charges, one of which can be punishable by the death penalty, the outlet reported.

A post with the caption “pictures of hero luigi mangione” shows a series of ten images, the sixth one allegedly showing Mangione wearing what appears to be an orange prison jumpsuit in front of a dark background possibly resembling a prison. 

Check Your Fact verified that all but the sixth image were authentic via reverse image search and AI image detectors. The sixth image was created with AI, however. When entered into TrueMedia.org, the image shows “substantial evidence of manipulation.” AI image detector Sightengine determined the photo is 72% likely to be AI-generated. 

When entered into a reverse image search, the sixth photo has not been posted by any credible sources. (RELATED: Viral X Video Does Not Show Luigi Mangione Skateboarding)

Mangione is currently in federal custody and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg added the charge of terrorism, according to CBS News. The jail where he is held previously held R. Kelly and currently holds Sean “Diddy” Combs, according to the outlet.

This is not the first time misinformation involving Mangione has spread online. Check Your Fact recently debunked an image claiming to show him wearing a costume resembling “Sailor Moon,” a character from a manga and anime series.