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UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting
February 2025
New York Hilton Midtown at 6th Avenue and 54th St
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare since 2021, was killed in Midtown Manhattan on December 4th, 2024 after being shot in the back around 6:44 AM outside the New York Hilton Midtown where he was attending an investors’ meeting for UnitedHealth Group. The assailant fled the scene on an e-bike, prompting a wide-scale manhunt and investigation.
Three fired cartridge cases and three unfired cartridges were found at the scene with the words “delay”, “deny”, and “depose” inscribed on them, similar to the similar insurance industry phrase “delay, deny, defend,” which alludes to insurance companies’ efforts to avoid paying claims. A water bottle, candy wrapper, and phone were recovered from the scene and are believed to be connected to the shooter while a backpack containing a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money was found in Central Park.
Surveillance footage captured images of the suspect at a hostel and a café before the attack, and law enforcement offered a combined reward of up to $60,000 for information leading to his arrest. Luigi Mangione, a Maryland native last known to reside in Honolulu, was apprehended in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 2024, after being recognized at a McDonald’s. Upon his arrest, authorities found a 3D-printed firearm, a suppressor, and a falsified ID. A handwritten letter found in his possession expressed his resentment toward the U.S. healthcare system, describing the industry as corrupt and exploitative. Initially charged with firearms offenses and forgery in Pennsylvania, Mangione was later extradited to New York, where he faced upgraded charges, including first-degree murder as an act of terrorism. Federal charges followed, making him eligible for the death penalty.
The New York Times; aerial scene from Google Earth
Investigators believe Mangione’s motive stemmed from hostility toward the health insurance industry, possibly linked to his personal medical history, including an injury that led to emergency treatment in 2023. Online activity suggests he held strong views on corporate influence over healthcare. Authorities also cited possible ideological influences, referencing his review of Ted Kaczynski’s writings. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his defense team argues that media attention has compromised his right to a fair trial.
Reactions and Aftermath
Reactions have been polarized. Opinion polls have shown younger and left-leaning respondents more likely to support Mangione. There was widespread contempt and mockery toward Thompson and UnitedHealth Group, and sympathy and praise for Mangione on social media. Supporters started crowdfunding campaigns to cover Mangione’s legal costs. One GiveSendGo fundraiser has raised over $425,000 as of February 2025.
“Deny Defend Depose” graffiti in New York City
Comrade Workwear, a socialist apparel brand, planned to release a deck of “most wanted CEOs” playing cards inspired by the 2003 U.S. military’s most-wanted Iraqi deck. Founder James Harr announced the project on TikTok, assigning each suit to different industries and soliciting user feedback. Harr, who celebrated the recent murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as “good news,” emphasized that while individual CEO deaths are “awesome,” systemic change requires broader action. He framed the cards as a tool for workers to understand corporate power and criticized media focus on Thompson’s death over broader economic injustices.
James Carr created the Most Wanted CEO Playing Cards (Image via Comrade Workwear)
Corporate Response
UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and CVS Health removed photographs and other information about their executive leadership from their websites following Thompson’s killing. Security firms saw a surge in inquiries about protective services for CEOs. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty defended the company’s claim denial practices. The company hired a defamation law firm to take action against social media posts critical of the company.
Related Incidents
A woman in Florida was arrested for threatening Blue Cross Blue Shield after her claim was denied, echoing the words written on the cartridge cases found at the scene of Thompson’s killing. Another woman was arrested at the United States Capitol and charged with plotting to kill billionaire investor Scott Bessent, stating she was inspired by Mangione.
Assessment
Thompson’s killing and Mangione’s ideological motivations signal rising hostility toward the healthcare industry, which may lead to further security threats against executives
The strong public support for Mangione, particularly among younger and left-leaning groups, suggests growing anti-corporate sentiment that could fuel similar incidents
Insurers and other large corporations will likely continue to limit public visibility of executives while increasing security measures
The response from brands like Comrade Workwear reflects a shift in how corporate leaders are portrayed, normalizing anti-executive rhetoric
Law enforcement will likely treat future threats against business leaders with heightened scrutiny, particularly those linked to broader social and economic grievances
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