Investigators are also looking into words, including “delay” and “deny,” that appeared to be written on shell casings collected after UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a midtown hotel. (Kaitlin Ochs/The New York Times)
In the pre-dawn hours of Manhattan’s morning, the deadly shooting United Healthcare Executive Brian Thompson, 50, shook Wall Street. Still, it’s a wave of public outrage — not mourning — that has dominated the fallout.
Driving news
- Thompson’s death on a Midtown sidewalk, while walking to his company’s annual investor meeting, sparked widespread outrage in an industry that Americans often see as the gatekeepers of life.
- New York police have released new security camera images of the man suspected of fatally shooting a top health insurance executive in a bold daylight attack outside a Manhattan hotel.
- The suspect’s face is obscured in the new image, appearing to smile or laugh, marking a development in the search since Wednesday’s shocking murder.
- The masked assailant attacked the brave crowd, an incident widely seen through security camera footage replayed on television.
- Thompson was in midtown Manhattan to attend an investor conference at the time of the attack.
Why is it important?
- The cryptic words etched on bullet casings—“deny,” “save” and “confiscate”—have deepened the murder’s mystery while striking a nerve among millions of Americans who feel locked in a Kafkaesque battle over denying medical claims.
- Social media platforms erupted with commentary, much of it morbid and insensitive, as users expressed frustration over denied claims, high premiums and unmet medical needs.
- The incident has exposed the simmering distrust and resentment many Americans feel toward the healthcare system. The US Home to the world’s most expensive healthcare, private insurance companies play a central role. Despite high costs, many patients experience labyrinthine approval processes, unexpected claim denials, and financially devastating medical bills.
- Symbolism of bullet casings: The phrases –“deny,” “defend” and “opt out”–reflect criticism from patient advocacy groups and lawyers, who use tactics to delay payments, deny claims and defend their actions at insurance companies. Accusing. In court, even when patients face serious health needs.
- Thompson’s killing has exposed weaknesses in corporate security policies, particularly for executives in controversial industries such as healthcare. Experts warn that this attack could lead to significant changes in how companies protect their leadership.
big picture
- Thompson’s death has left deep cracks in public trust in the US health insurance industry.
- Skyrocketing cost: The average American pays nearly $8,000 a year for health insurance, often coupled with high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Many policies exclude important procedures or medications, putting patients in financial trouble.
- Denied coverage: As of 2022, insurers denied 10% of Medicare Advantage prior authorization requests, affecting access to care for millions of people. UnitedHealthcare’s rate of 7.4% put it in the middle of the pack, but even that has sparked outrage.
- A lucrative industry: UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest US health insurer, covering more than 50 million Americans and reporting revenues of $281 billion in 2023. Thompson received a $10.2 million compensation package last year, fueling perceptions of disparity.
- Meanwhile, employees in the industry face growing concerns. A former UnitedHealthcare employee told media outlets that staff were well aware of the public discontent, adding, “Brian was one of the few executives who wanted to fix things.”
What are they saying?
- Public response to Thompson’s death has been harsh and polarizing.
- Reaction on social media: Critics flooded platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) with bitter comments.
- One viral post sarcastically said, “Think of the family and the deductible. Unfortunately, my sensei is out of network.” Another user wrote, “I’m an ER nurse… I can’t empathize with all those patients and their families.”
- “I pay $1,300 a month in premiums, only to have my claims denied,” one TikTok user posted. “This man made millions while people died waiting for approval.”
- Online, patients and their families posted about struggles with claims denials. One user described fighting to get a special bed for her disabled son. Another recalled battling medical bills after giving birth: “I was sick of it.”
- Not all reactions were devoid of sympathy. Some industry colleagues and others online decried the celebratory tone. “Nobody deserves to die for their job,” wrote one commenter on Reddit.
- Doctors weigh in: Physicians have shared their frustrations about navigating insurance approvals. Florida orthopedic surgeon Dr. “Every doctor after hearing about the shooting thought ‘I’m sure this is related to denial of access to care’ shows how bad our system is,” tweeted Kevin Farmer.
- UnitedHealth Group released a statement prioritizing the safety of its employees and pledged support for Thompson’s family.
between the lines
- Thompson’s killing has also exposed a dilemma for corporations. On the one hand, leaders must contend with public perception and operational realities. On the other hand, the incident has triggered a re-evaluation of security measures for high-profile executives.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Industry insiders say corporate America is lagging behind in protecting executives. Unlike companies like Meta or Alphabet, which spend millions annually on CEO security, UnitedHealth’s security measures were limited. Experts suggest the industry can now strengthen protections, from surveillance upgrades to employing personal guards.
- A shifting landscape: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare sector is particularly vulnerable to hostility, with workers facing the highest levels of violence among all US industries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, anti-vaccine and anti-mask sentiment only intensified tensions.
- As more patients share their complaints online, the potential for threats increases. A security consultant noted that healthcare companies are grappling with the need for better risk assessment without spoiling the optics or looking away from people’s exposure.
Zoom in
The widespread reaction to Thompson’s killing is a wake-up call for the industry. In recent years, public dissatisfaction with insurance companies has fueled calls for reform, including single-payer healthcare. Activists argue that current practices—such as prior authorization requirements and claim denials—put profits above patient welfare.
Protesters in UnitedHealthcare’s home state of Minnesota have held demonstrations decrying high costs and coverage issues.
Earlier this year, a Senate report raised denial rates for Medicare Advantage plans, fueling tensions.
The results have reached beyond United Healthcare. CVS Health and other insurers have taken steps to obscure executive identities online, removing leadership photos from websites. Centene, another major insurance company, has converted its upcoming investor event to a virtual format, citing safety concerns.
what’s next
- The killing could serve as a catalyst for multiple changes across the industry.
- Policy change: Increased awareness may prompt companies to reevaluate denial practices and adopt a more patient-centered approach. Critics argue that significant changes are overdue to rebuild public trust.
- Corporate security overhauls: Insurers can invest heavily in executive protection, including panic buttons, safe rooms and private security teams. Industry leaders warn that such measures are often implemented only after a disaster has occurred.
- New debate on healthcare reform: Thompson’s death, contained in the face of public outcry, may heighten calls for systemic change. Advocates hope it will spur the expansion of access and affordability, whether through stricter regulations or a shift to single-payer systems.
- Currently, the industry is facing a reckoning. As one healthcare analyst said, “This tragedy highlights a system that is broken and in dire need of reform. The question is whether it will lead to meaningful change or more damage control.
(with inputs from agencies)