Investigators also are looking into words, including “delay” and “deny,” that appear to have been inscribed on shell casings collected after Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside a Midtown hotel. (Caitlin Ochs/The New York Times)
In the pre-dawn hours of a Manhattan morning, the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson, 50, shook Wall Street. Yet, it is the wave of public outrage—not grief—that has dominated the aftermath.
Driving the news
- Thompson’s death on a Midtown sidewalk, while en route to his company’s annual investor meeting, has ignited widespread fury at an industry that Americans often view as a gatekeeper to life itself.
- New York police has released a new security camera image of the man suspected of fatally shooting a top health insurance executive in a bold daylight attack outside a Manhattan hotel.
- The new image shows the suspect with his face uncovered, appearing to smile or laugh, marking a development in the manhunt following Wednesday’s shocking murder.
- The masked assailant carried out the attack in front of bystanders, an incident widely seen through security camera footage replayed on television.
- Thompson had been in Midtown Manhattan attending an investor conference at the time of the attack.
Why it matters
- The cryptic words inscribed on the bullet casings—“deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—have deepened the mystery of the killing while striking a nerve among millions of Americans who feel trapped in Kafkaesque battles over denied medical claims.
- Social media platforms erupted with commentary, much of it morbid and unsympathetic, as users vented frustrations 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 is home to the world’s most expensive healthcare, with private insurers playing a central role. Despite high costs, many patients experience labyrinthine approval processes, unexpected claim denials, and financially devastating medical bills.
- Symbolism of the bullet casings: The phrases –“deny,” “defend,” and “depose”– mirror criticisms from patient advocacy groups and lawyers, who accuse insurers of using tactics to delay payments, deny claims, and defend their actions in court, even when patients face dire health needs.
- Thompson’s murder has spotlighted vulnerabilities in corporate security policies, particularly for executives in contentious industries like healthcare. Experts warn that the attack may prompt significant changes in how companies protect their leadership.
The big picture
- Thompson’s death has revealed deep cracks in public trust toward the US health insurance industry.
- Sky-high costs: The average American pays nearly $8,000 annually for health insurance, often coupled with high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. Many policies exclude vital procedures or medications, forcing patients into financial hardship.
- Denied coverage: According to a 2022 report, insurers denied 10% of Medicare Advantage prior authorization requests, impacting care access for millions. UnitedHealthcare’s rate of 7.4% placed it in the middle of the pack, but even this has sparked outrage.
- A lucrative industry: UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest US health insurer, covering over 50 million Americans and reporting $281 billion in revenue in 2023. Thompson received a compensation package worth $10.2 million last year, fueling perceptions of inequity.
- Meanwhile, employees within the industry face rising concerns. A former UnitedHealthcare employee told media outlets that staff were well aware of public dissatisfaction, adding, “Brian was one of the few executives who wanted to fix things.”
What they are saying
- The public response to Thompson’s death has been stark and polarizing.
- Social media backlash: Commenters flooded platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) with biting remarks.
- One viral post sarcastically said, “Thoughts and deductibles to the family. Unfortunately, my condolences are out-of-network.” Another user wrote, “I’m an ER nurse… I just can’t feel sympathy for him because of all of those patients and their families.”
- “I pay $1,300 a month in premiums, only to have my claims denied,” posted one TikTok user. “This man earned millions while people died waiting for approvals.”
- Online, patients and their families posted about struggles with claims denials. One user described fighting to secure a specialized bed for her disabled son. Another recalled battling medical bills after giving birth: “I was sick over this.”
- Not all reactions were devoid of empathy. Some industry colleagues and others condemned the celebratory tone online. “No one deserves to die for their job,” wrote one commenter on Reddit.
- Doctors weigh in: Physicians have shared their frustrations about navigating insurance approvals. “The fact that every doctor thought ‘I’m sure this is related to denying access to care’ after hearing about the shooting shows how bad our system is,” tweeted Dr Kevin Farmer, a Florida orthopedic surgeon.
- UnitedHealth Group released a statement prioritizing the safety of its employees and pledging to support Thompson’s family.
Between the lines
- Thompson’s murder has also exposed a dilemma for corporations. On one hand, leaders must contend with public perception and operational realities. On the other, the incident has triggered a reevaluation of security measures for high-profile executives.
- Security vulnerabilities: Industry insiders say that corporate America has lagged 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 may now bolster protections, from surveillance upgrades to employing personal guards.
- A shifting landscape: The healthcare sector is particularly prone to hostility, with workers facing the highest levels of workplace violence among all US industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the Covid-19 pandemic, anti-vaccine and anti-mask sentiment only intensified tensions.
- As more patients share their grievances online, the potential for threats grows. One security consultant noted that healthcare firms are grappling with the need for better threat assessments without worsening optics or seeming out of touch with the public.
Zoom in
The broader reaction to Thompson’s killing is a wake-up call for the industry. In recent years, public dissatisfaction with insurers has fueled calls for reforms, including single-payer healthcare. Activists argue that current practices—such as prior authorization requirements and claim denials—place profits above patient welfare.
Protesters in Minnesota, UnitedHealthcare’s home state, have staged demonstrations decrying high costs and coverage issues.
Earlier this year, a Senate report revealed a spike in denial rates for Medicare Advantage plans, further inflaming tensions.
The fallout has reached beyond UnitedHealthcare. CVS Health and other insurers have reportedly taken steps to obscure executive identities online, removing leadership photos from websites. Centene, another large insurer, converted its upcoming investor event to a virtual format, citing safety concerns.
What’s next
- The murder may serve as a catalyst for multiple changes across the industry.
- Policy shifts: Heightened awareness could spur companies to reevaluate denial practices and adopt a more patient-centric approach. Critics argue that substantive changes are overdue to rebuild public trust.
- Corporate security overhauls: Insurers may 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 tragedies occur.
- A renewed debate on healthcare reform: Thompson’s death, juxtaposed against public outrage, may amplify calls for systemic change. Advocates hope it will reignite momentum for expanding access and affordability, whether through stricter regulations or a shift toward single-payer systems.
- For now, the industry faces a reckoning. As one healthcare analyst put it, “This tragedy highlights a system that is broken and in desperate need of reform. The question is whether it will lead to meaningful change or just more damage control.”
(With inputs from agencies)
