Recently, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on a Midtown Manhattan street. However, instead of facing unanimous condemnation, the suspect Luigi Mangione has received a large amount of support online. According to a threat assessment bulletin released by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), a non-profit organization focused on cybersecurity, the “overwhelming bipartisan support” for this attack on social media has led to a series of remarks that encourage similar violent activities against other healthcare executive teams.
CIS analysts stated that the remarks in support of Mangione’s attack may encourage like-minded people, especially when the public views Mangione as an “American hero” and an object of sympathy. The threats may stem from personal grudges, sociopolitical or ideological views, or highly controversial and high-profile cases such as Thompson’s death.
Currently, threats are on the rise. Multiple “wanted posters” depicting healthcare executives have emerged in New York City. In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the local police who arrested Mangione and McDonald’s have faced threats and negative backlash. The CIS assessment indicates that threats are “highly likely to continue targeting law enforcement and other public offices involved in Mangione’s case.” The courts themselves may also become targets, potentially facing false bomb threats, pro-Mangione demonstrations, and malicious calls and doxxing.
The CIS pointed out that the healthcare industry, like the pharmaceutical industry, may be extremely vulnerable to widely supported targeted violence as many people face challenges in insurance coverage. This shooting incident has triggered a series of negative emotions and threatening remarks. For example, a policy restricting anesthesia insurance coverage announced by Elevance Health in November caused an uproar. After Brian Thompson was killed and with a flood of threatening remarks, Elevance revoked the policy. Multiple posts have also targeted Elevance Health’s CEO, and other companies have been mentioned as potential future targets. However, such hostility may not be limited to the healthcare industry. Threats may spread to executives in other corporate sectors that the public believes are harming the interests of the American public. Once extradited, Mangione will face second-degree murder and other charges in New York.
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