In the wake of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive's death, celebrations have erupted online, with many lauding the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, for his crime. However, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has condemned the same, referring to it as "deeply disturbing."
In the past, Thomspon was blamed for refusing to compensate for health insurance adequately, and users are tying the case to the same. In the wake of the governor's statement, users are pushing back, noting that Thompson should have been held accountable for more. Here's how one user reacted:
"No, what’s disturbing is greedy CEO’s denying life saving treatment and insurance claims to patients while getting massive bonuses. What’s disturbing is that the United States is the only major developed nation that doesn’t guarantee healthcare as a right. F**k him. Free Luigi."
While many concurred, some disagreed:
"what about the millions of innocent people killed from the leadership of the ceo? speak on that josh!" one user noted.
"oh, the people that took money from the insurance companies to look the other way have something to say?" someone else asked, sarcastically.
"Governor Shapiro's statement hits a critical point: violence can never be a justified means of expressing dissent or resolving disagreements. Celebrating such acts only perpetuates division and undermines the principles of justice and democracy that hold society together. It's essential to stand against such behavior and focus on fostering constructive dialogue instead," another user dissented.
"It has been disturbing to see the reaction people have had to the killer- whether it’s this particular person or not is a different story. The justifications provided and idolisation of him has been shocking," yet another echoed.
The comments didn't end there, as scores online weighed in on Luigi Mangione:
"But nobody talks about or acknowledges the deaths caused by the disfuncional healthcare system?" someone questioned.
"Maybe if people thought they were being heard and listened to..." another suggested.
"Shapiro, then please tell me how it's solved if y'all don't listen to the people?" yet another begged for answers.
"I’m sure it’s something more along the lines of Luigi had a loved one or friend that didn’t get the care they needed from their insurance company," another posited.
The internet was virtually divided between those who felt the killing, allegedly at the hands of Luigi Mangione, was justified and those who felt this wasn't a cause for celebration.
Josh Shapiro says Luigi Mangione "is no hero," claims "this is not what we do in a civilized society"
Luigi Mangione was cuffed and charged on Monday in connection with the gun crimes relating to the murder of Thompson, and reportedly, his actions were premeditated. That same day, Josh Shapiro took to the podium to address the voices of dissent against the former CEO:
"Brian Thompson was a father to two. He was a husband. And he was a friend to many. And yes he was the CEO of a health insurance company. In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint. I understand people have real frustration with our healthcare system, and I have worked to address that throughout my career. But I have no tolerance, nor should anyone, for one man using an illegal ghost gun to murder someone because he thinks his opinion matters most. In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice."
He went on, ripping into Luigi Mangione's actions:
"In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this: he is no hero. Violence can never be used to address political differences, or to address a substantive difference, or to try and prove some ideological point. That is not what we do in a civilized society. That was true in Butler, it was true in new york city, and it’s true anywhere. that is not how you make progress in this country.”
Trending
50-year-old Thompson served as the CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance section until he was fatally shot several times at the Hilton Hotel.
Reply
