Draft:Breloom

Preceding the killing of Brian Thompson in December 2024, suspect Luigi Mangione prominently used Breloom in his branding on social media.{{cite web |last=Das|first=Abhipsito|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/news-luigi-mangione-s-x-banner-pokemon-twist?key=skmainfb|title=Luigi Mangione’s X banner has a Pokemon twist

|website=Sportskeeda|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}} He additionally posted a photo of Breloom Pokémon card.{{cite web |last=Rahman|first=Billal|url=https://www.newsweek.com/luigi-mangione-shooting-suspect-pokemon-clue-286-denial-code-bible-1998551|title=Luigi Mangione May Have Left Subtle Clue With Pokémon Pic|website=Newsweek|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}} Its Pokédex number of 286 led the Pokémon to become associated with conspiracy theories surrounding the number, such as connections to the Bible verse Proverbs 28:6 and the medical insurance company denial code 286.{{cite web |author=TOI World Desk|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/what-is-the-luigi-mangione-286-conspiracy-theory/articleshow/116176938.cms|title=What is the Luigi Mangione '286 Conspiracy Theory'?|website=Times of India|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}} Furthermore, he had 286 posts on his X account at the time of his arrest and allegedly travelled 286 miles to the McDonald's location he was discovered at.{{cite web |last=Osullivan|first=Kyle|url=https://www.the-express.com/news/us-news/157119/ceo-shooting-suspect-luigi-mangione-pokemon|title=Luigi Mangione '286 riddle' exposed as denial code, Pokémon and Bible 'point to murder'|website=The Express|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}} David Covucci of the Daily Dot compared the theory's prevalence to QAnon, while various social media users compared to the Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud.{{cite web |last=Covucci|first=David|url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/luigi-mangione-pokemon-286/|title=Luigi Mangione's Pokémon preference spawns QAnon-level freak out over 'hidden' Bible quote|website=The Daily Dot|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}} On Pokémon's official store, Breloom's plush has been sold out since 2023, but was initially believed to be an effect of the association to Mangione.{{cite web |last=Coulson|first=Josh|url=https://www.thegamer.com/luigi-mangione-arrest-spike-breloom-sitting-cuties-pokemon-plush/|title=No, Luigi Mangione's Arrest Has Not Caused A Spike In Breloom Pokemon Plush Sales|website=The Gamer|language=en|date=December 10, 2024|accessdate=December 11, 2024}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Bulbapedia}}
• [https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokedex/breloom Breloom on Pokemon.com]

{{Pokémon Generation 3|state=expanded}}

{{Pokémon directory}}