On December 4th at 6:45 a.m., Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, was shot and killed outside a midtown Manhattan hotel where he was scheduled to speak. Messages found at the scene—”deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—are believed to reference alleged tactics insurers use to avoid payouts. Luigi Mangione (26), identified as the prime suspect, was arrested in Pennsylvania and awaiting extradition. Mangione faces multiple charges, including one count of murder, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of possession of a forged instrument.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, ascending to CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He previously led the company’s government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid services. His wife Paulette and their two sons, who reside in Minnesota, survived him. By all accounts, he was well respected, having spent over 20 years in the health insurance industry; Thompson was described by colleagues as dedicated, compassionate, and values-based – committed to making access to health insurance more affordable. So why do people think he deserved to die?
Misguided Rage: Celebrating A Life Lost
As news of Thompson’s death began to spread, it sparked a wave of ironic and clinical comments referencing the US healthcare system. Some joked he wouldn’t qualify for treatment as gunshot wounds might be deemed a “pre-existing condition.” Others mocked the system, stating “thoughts and prayers” required “prior authorization and appeals.” One noted his multimillion-dollar salary meant he earned more dying in an ambulance than many do in a month with his reported $10.2M salary. UnitedHealth Group’s Facebook post sharing its statement on Thompson’s death received more than 46,000 reactions, with about 41,000 respondents clicking the platform’s “haha” option displaying a laughing emoji.
Widespread frustration with the US healthcare system led some to view Mangione as a “folk hero.” Leemore Dafny, a professor at Harvard, called the online reactions to Thompson’s death “horrifying,” acknowledging widespread frustration with the US healthcare system. She noted it reflects despair over an expensive, inequitable system but emphasized, “This is murder, not an expression of discontent.” While the insurance industry’s poor reputation is partly its own doing, Dafny condemned celebrating murder, stating, “They’re not saints, but they’re not solely to blame for U.S. healthcare issues.”
Factors such as perceived systemic injustice, economic inequality, and profit-driven healthcare are likely among the causes for this type of response. However, it would appear that Thompson was likely seen as a symbol of leadership representing industry policies and systemic failures. While in reality, he was a husband, father, friend, and colleague who was killed in cold blood.
Workplace Violence: A Growing Public Health Crisis
Workplace violence is a pervasive issue across North America, impacting up to 75% of workers over time and across all industries. According to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), workplace violence ranks as the third-leading cause of fatal work-related injuries in the United States, with 761 intentional deaths recorded in 2019.
While violence is often associated with physical assaults, OSHA defines workplace violence broadly, including “any act in the workplace that threatens or harms individuals through physical violence, verbal abuse, intimidation, harassment, or other disruptive or harmful behaviours” which includes acts of murder.
Public outrage is often warranted regarding inequality of access and cost of care – however – the accused shooter is no “Robin Hood,” having targeted a man walking down the street on his way to work and shooting him in the back. Thompson deserved to be come home safe after work that day – like anyone else.
Workplace violence is a real and serious issue. In fact, given the pervasiveness and widespread impact on mental and physical health – it should be considered a public health issue and funded for prevention, intervention and postvention measures to create safer working environments for everyone.