The UnitedHealth CEO shooting has unleashed online anger with health insurers
Image: Fast Company
More details are emerging about the suspect charged with murder in last week’s shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, as the incident has triggered a wave of online support for bringing awareness to issues within America’s healthcare industry.
Here’s what we know: The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, comes from a wealthy Baltimore-area family and reportedly graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2020 with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree focused on computer science.
- Authorities say they believe Mangione’s motive was animosity toward what he saw as injustices within the health insurance industry and corporate America, based on a 2.5-page note found in his possession (which officials described as a “manifesto”).
- He also reportedly suffered from severe chronic back pain due to a spinal defect, causing him to undergo spinal fusion surgery in 2023, according to NBC News and Washington Post reviews of what appears to be an archive of his now-deleted Reddit account.
The incident has prompted a wave of anti-insurance frustration across social media. Since the shooting occurred last Wednesday, many online users have expressed sympathy for the shooter and criticized the overall healthcare industry, with posters voicing frustrations over coverage denials and other business practices – particularly those at UnitedHealthcare, America’s largest health insurer.
- UnitedHealthcare holds the highest rate of insurance claim denials out of all major US providers, refusing ~32% of all claims submitted, per data from insurance insight firm ValuePenguin.
- The healthcare giant is also facing a lawsuit accusing it of knowingly using an error-prone algorithm to deny treatment for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries.
Overall, America has the most expensive healthcare system in the world – ~$12,318/person annually – while ranking ~60th globally in life expectancy, per the most recent data from 2021.
On the flip side: Some public figures and lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, have strongly pushed back against the idea that Thompson’s shooter should be praised, and denounced what they see as growing public support for vigilante justice.
Looking ahead…Mangione will remain in custody in Pennsylvania as he fights extradition to New York to face murder charges, in a process that could last up to several weeks.
📊 Flash poll: Which of the following best describes your personal opinion towards the shooting of Brian Thompson and the suspect’s reported motive?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some analysts argue that the online glorification of the suspect should be seen as a window into the reality millions of Americans, and a sign that change needs to be made now before it too late
- Others contend that the murder of Thompson is a sign that our society has become deeply disturbed and normalizes violence and that killing a man ought to be condemned accordingly.
- “The despair behind the sarcastic response to an insurance CEO’s killing.” –Letters to the Editor, Washington Post
- “The discourse around Luigi Mangione shows how broken American society has become.” –Jack Ohamn, San Franciso Chronicle
- “Truth about private health insurance must not be lost to the news cycle.” –Loren Johnston, Portland Post Herald
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that the killer should not be put on a pedestal no matter how valid his or other Americans’ frustrations with the current healthcare system are.
- Others contend that the murder is not going to change or help the reality of healthcare in America and that no amount of rage or anger can justify such a horrific incident.
- “Perspective: The decoupling of ends and means is leading to disaster.” –Cliff Smith, Deseret News
- “Suspected killer Mangione is not a hero — stop treating him as one.” –Boston Herald Editorial Staff
- “Penny’s acquittal and killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO: No peace on earth, no goodwill.” –Cal Thomas, Washington Times
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