Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Dec. 4, 2024 in Manhattan while en route to an investors meeting. This incident has triggered widespread discussion on the state of the American health insurance industry.
Thompson was attacked near the New York Hilton Midtown at 6:45 a.m. Surveillance footage revealed the shooter fired three times with a 9mm pistol, which authorities identified as a homemade weapon, partially 3D-printed with a suppressor. The assailant was seen fleeing the scene on an electric bike, followed by a taxi to the Port Authority bus station. Thompson succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transferred to Mount Sinai West hospital.
Police identified Luigi Mangione as the suspect and he was caught following a 911 call from a McDonald’s employee in Altoona, Penn. Dec. 9. He was reportedly carrying $10,000 in cash, a passport, multiple forged IDs as well as a manifesto that reportedly carried admissions of guilt and his motives. Mangione now faces charges of first-degree murder, illegal firearm possession and forgery.
Several bullets found at the scene of the crime carried inscriptions reading, “delay,” “deny” and “depose. These words are often used as criticism of the health insurance industry’s claim denial practices, in which UnitedHealthcare is a leader. Thompson’s tenure has had controversy with lawsuits alleging insider trading, discriminatory denial of care and reliance on algorithms to reduce claims payouts.
The incident has brought debates about the American healthcare system into the spotlight, where issues of affordability, accessibility and corporate accountability are points of contention. Social media reaction to this incident has been split. While some have condemned the violence, a surprising amount of people have shown support towards Mangione and used this scenario to highlight the perceived systemic failures of US healthcare.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges, citing an “impaired mental status” as reason that makes him unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors, however, argue that the evidence points to premeditation, especially considering the items found on his person when arrested. “I do apologize for any strife of traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming,” Mangione’s writings allegedly said.
Mangione remains under maximum security at Huntingdon State Correctional Institution in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania awaiting his trial set to be held in New York State.
Luigi Mangione is currently facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Friends and family reported that he distanced himself from them since the summer of 2024. His family, in a statement, expressed shock at the arrest. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved,” they said. (Photo/Pennsylvania Department of Corrections)
