Killing of Brian Thompson

Killing of Brian Thompson
Still image from CCTV footage of the shooting
Location of the killing
Location	Outside the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, U.S.
Coordinates	40.7625°N 73.9798°W / 40.7625; -73.9798
Date	December 4, 2024; 36 days ago (2024-12-04) 6:45 am (EST)
Target	Brian Thompson
Attack type	Shooting
Weapon	Suppressed 9×19mm pistol
Accused	Luigi Mangione
Charges	Second-degree murder, carrying a gun without a license, forgery, false identification to law enforcement and possession of an instrument of crime[1]

Brian Thompson, CEO of the UnitedHealthcare company since 2021, was shot and killed outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan, New York City on December 4, 2024.^[2] Thompson was in the city for an investors meeting for UnitedHealth Group.

Background

Thompson had been criticized because UnitedHealthcare's would reject many insurance claims, and his family reported that he had received death threats in the past.^[3] Luigi Mangione was arrested five days later and charged with the crime.^[4]

Aftermath

Responses

Thompson's death received mixed reactions. People who criticized the health care system in the United States showed their anger about how Thompson would constantly deny insurance claims.^[5]

Suspect

The suspect, Luigi Mangione, age 26, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on December 9 and charged with Thompson's murder in a Manhattan court the same day.^[6] Police said Mangione was carrying a 3D-printed pistol and a 3D-printed suppressor.^[7] Mangione is detained as of 23 December 2024..^[8]

Analysis

Possible motives, according to media:^[9]

• Corporate greed
• Revenge on the UnitedHealthcare and American health insurance industry

References

1. "Investigators of C.E.O.'s Killing Are Questioning a Man in Pennsylvania". The New York Times. December 9, 2024. Archived from the original on December 9, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
2. Halpert, Madeline (December 4, 2024). "Brian Thompson: United Healthcare CEO fatally shot outside Manhattan hotel". BBC News. New York. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
3. "What we know about New York City shooting of UnitedHealthcare boss Brian Thompson". Sky News. December 5, 2024. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2024.
4. Tenbarge, Kat (December 10, 2024). "Merch sellers cash in on UnitedHealthcare CEO killing". NBC News. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
5. Enokido-Lineham, Olive; Santa Cruz, Joely (December 7, 2024). "How UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting sparked online debate over US health insurance". Sky News. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024.
6. Corey Kilgannon; Baker, Mike; Broadwater, Luke; Hubler, Shawn (December 9, 2024). "Suspect in C.E.O. Killing Withdrew From a Life of Privilege and Promise". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 10, 2024. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
7. Rubin, April (December 9, 2024). "Who is Luigi Mangione, person of interest in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting". Axios. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
8. Osullivan, Kyle (December 10, 2024). "Mangione's lawyer seen 'zero evidence they have the right guy' after shooting". Daily Express US. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
9. Czachor, Emily Mae (December 5, 2024). "Bullets fired at UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had words written on them, officials say". CBS News.