In an unfortunate happening, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot dead on December 4th, 2024. The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, where the company held an investor day event.
How was Brian Thompson Killed?
The shooting happened as Brian Thompson arrived early at the hotel to look out for the preparation of the UnitedHealthcare investor’s day meet. According to the images released by the police and the footage from security cameras, the shooter was a man. He was wearing a dark hooded jacket with a gray backpack and a mask covering the bottom of his face.
The shooter was already aware of which door Thompson would use and arrived at the location about 10 minutes before. When Thompson who was dressed in a blue suit walked towards the entrance, the shooter approached him from behind and shot at least three bullets with a pistol that was covered with a silencer. Upon getting shot, Thompson took a few steps and collapsed on the sidewalk.
The Suspect Arrested by the Cops
Following a day of investigation, the police held 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as the prime suspect in the killing. Luigi is an Ivy graduate, named as a suspect in the Thompson killing and charged with murder by the New York prosecutors. The chilling murder of the CEO that too in broad daylight shocked many Americans. However, it also sparked a wave of outrage directed at the profit-driven nature of the US healthcare industry. Netizens shared mixed reactions on the internet. Some opened up about their personal experiences while others celebrated Luigi, calling him a hero.
What is the Police’s Take on This?
During a press conference in Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro credited the arrest of Luigi, who was on the run since the murder. However, he also criticized the online attention and response regarding Luigi’s actions. Shapiro cleared that he understands the sentiments and frustrations of people with the US healthcare system. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or to express a viewpoint. In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero,” Shapiro said. He further added, “Hear me on this, he is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 in the McDonald’s this morning.”
The motive behind the killing is still unknown, however, along with carrying a gun, a silencer, and other items, Luigi was found to have a handwritten, three-page “manifesto” condemning health insurance companies.
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Naina Jaggi is an author deeply rooted in Journalism, mainly writing on lifestyle, entertainment, travel, politics and financial markets. This diverse experience has allowed her to blend rich details with engaging narratives that capture the essence of various worlds. When she is not crafting tales, you’ll find her immersed in music and enjoying the company of dogs. She is also into K-dramas, thriller and horror movies that fuel her imagination, bringing the same spark to her stories.
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