The internet is having a field day following the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead in a “brazen, targeted attack” in New York City.
If there’s one thing that we know about our friends across the pond, it’s that if someone they hate dies, they will post about it. And they will not be kind
On Wednesday (local time), Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside of the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan ahead of the US health insurer’s investor conference.
He died later that day in hospital, leaving behind a wife and two children.
At the time of publishing, the shooter is still at large.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. “It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes.”
The NYPD have offered a US $10,000 (AU $15,500) reward for information that will lead to the gunman’s arrest.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement today.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
However, UnitedHealth Group’s sentiment is not one shared by many people online. And as more than one person has pointed out, the reaction is one policy makers and CEOs alike might want to listen to.
Saw mainstream news coverage about the killing of the CEO of United Healthcare on TikTok and I think political and industry leaders might want to read the comments and think hard about them pic.twitter.com/RuBii9KFH4
— Tobita Chow (@tobitac) December 4, 2024
Why are people pissed at United Healthcare and Brian Thompson?
Unlike Australia, America does not have a universal health insurance scheme.
Although the US is the highest spending country when it comes to health care, a study from the Commonwealth Fund found it had the worst performing health care system amongst all the high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
While there is federal health insurance offered to some people, such as Medicare which is available for people aged 65 or older and younger people with disabilities, the majority will need to obtain health insurance to help with subsidizing hefty hospital and/or doctor bills.
With this system, a lot of people can miss out on life-saving medical attention if they do not have access to health insurance.
Per a 2006 study from the National Library of Medicine, more than 26,000 Americans die each year due to a lack of health insurance.
United Healthcare — the insurance branch of the UnitedHealth Group — is the US’ largest provider of private health insurance.
Although the company reportedly serves 51 million consumers worldwide, many members have claimed that the multi-million dollar company has denied their claims, which has been highlighted in a majority of the posts regarding Thompson’s death.
Alongside these claims, in 2023, a lawsuit was made against the health insurer giant after they were accused of using “faulty AI” to deny elderly patients from accessing medically necessary coverage.
The allegation was denied by UnitedHealth.
Fucked around. Found out. pic.twitter.com/vVw6q611yV
— Gritty is the Way (@Gritty20202) December 4, 2024
Brian Thompson denying claims for life saving surgery so he can increase shareholder profits by 0.000001%: https://t.co/R0e8jbxJJB pic.twitter.com/sK4OZ8ANh8
— Spiced ❤️🔥🇵🇸🔻 (@Spiced420) December 4, 2024
Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down…. wait, I'm sorry – today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires.
— Prof Zenkus (@anthonyzenkus) December 4, 2024
Today we remember the legacy of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson pic.twitter.com/iyAJwUBe0w
— Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) December 4, 2024
In early 2024, the Department of Justice launched a probe into UnitedHealthcare over antitrust concerns, the Wall Street Journal reports. And in November of this year, the DoJ sued to block the US healthcare giant from acquiring Amedisys, a US healthcare and hospice provider.
This might explain why Thompson’s death — reportedly the result of a targeted hit — has been met with countless memes celebrating his demise.
All-time great ratio. They pulled the post down when it got to about 21,000 laughing emojis. pic.twitter.com/EeJRjqDjBT
— Yehya Brown (@yehyabrown) December 5, 2024
If we had Medicare for all, Brian Thompson would still be alive. Another life taken by private insurance…
— DesMuad’dib (@mdez350) December 4, 2024
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson this morning: pic.twitter.com/Im3WujYEQg
— R🍉BBIΣ (@R0BB1_3) December 4, 2024
Everyone watching Brian Thompson bleed out on the sidewalk pic.twitter.com/lWjPDe450B
— rye-is-fox.bsky.social (@UnhingedRye) December 4, 2024
Brian Thompson rn pic.twitter.com/rkNcfNPQMw
— it’s just meera (@meeracleshappen) December 4, 2024
At the time of writing, the gunman responsible for Thompson’s death is still at large.
The post Why The Shooting Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Was Met With Countless Memes appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
