Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, sent a heartfelt memo to employees, praising Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, after Thompson was tragically murdered outside a Manhattan hotel.
In the memo, Witty described Thompson as “one of the good guys,” noting that he was not only incredibly smart but also one of the best people he knew.
While Witty expressed deep personal loss, there was no mention of the backlash surrounding Thompson’s tenure at UnitedHealthcare, particularly the company’s controversial stance on healthcare coverage.
Public Outcry and Social Media Backlash
In the wake of Thompson’s death, a wave of anger surfaced online, particularly from critics of UnitedHealthcare’s practices during Thompson’s leadership.
Many expressed outrage over the company’s history of denying necessary treatment, with some users even voicing support for the gunman who allegedly killed Thompson.
Social media users dismissed the praise for Thompson, calling it an attempt to mask the negative impact the company had on individuals.
One comment dismissed healthcare CEOs as “no such thing as a ‘good guy,'” while others criticized the healthcare system itself for making people choose between life-saving treatment and financial ruin.
Arrest of the Suspect
Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old suspect in Thompson’s killing, was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days after the shooting.
Mangione faces firearm and murder charges following the incident.
Law enforcement revealed that Mangione had been carrying a manifesto expressing anger toward corporate America, which he claimed was partly responsible for his pain.
The manifesto allegedly contained phrases such as “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done,” indicating a personal vendetta against healthcare giants like UnitedHealthcare.
Details of the Killing and Investigation
Thompson’s death occurred on December 4, when he was shot outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan.
Surveillance footage showed him walking out of the hotel when Mangione allegedly fired three bullets at close range.
Investigators later found shell casings with words like “deny” and “defend” written on them, a clear sign of Mangione’s disdain for the healthcare industry.
It’s believed that Mangione was motivated by the treatment his sick relative received, though the full details of the family’s medical history remain unclear.
Authorities also discovered that Mangione was in possession of a 3D-printed pistol and a black silencer at the time of his arrest.
Police reports indicate that Mangione had been traveling across the country, evading authorities for days before his capture in Altoona, where he had likely been for several days after the murder.
A Journey Across the Country
Following the shooting, Mangione led police on a cross-country chase.
He was captured after arriving in Altoona on a Greyhound bus, though law enforcement officials are still piecing together the full timeline of his travels.
They believe he spent time in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh before making his way to Pennsylvania.
Mangione is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 23, as authorities continue to investigate his actions.
Ongoing Fallout and Reflection
As Mangione’s trial date approaches, the public remains divided on the legacy of Brian Thompson and the practices of UnitedHealthcare.
Many are left questioning the ethical responsibility of healthcare companies and their leaders, while others continue to mourn Thompson’s death.
Witty’s attempt to honor his late colleague’s legacy will likely be met with ongoing scrutiny, as the company grapples with both the fallout from this tragedy and its historical role in the healthcare system.
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