A shocking story has taken over American headlines and social media: a masked man gunned down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on December 4, 2024. The act wasn’t just a murder—it sparked a nationwide conversation about justice, corruption, and America’s broken healthcare system.

The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, managed to evade police for several days before being arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania. What has caught the world’s attention, though, is not just the crime itself, but how many Americans seem to be supporting the killer.

The Scene of the Crime: A Chilling Message

The murder wasn’t random. Shell casings at the scene bore the words “deny, defend, depose”—eerily similar to the infamous strategy used by health insurance companies to avoid paying claims. The crime felt symbolic as if calling out an industry accused of profiting by denying care to those who need it most.

Thompson, like many health insurance CEOs, earned tens of millions annually, even as everyday Americans faced skyrocketing premiums, surprise medical bills, and rejected claims. For many, this act of violence resonated as a desperate outcry against a system that’s been squeezing them dry.

Social Media’s Reaction: Sympathy for a Shooter?

While officials and the media condemned the killing, the reaction on platforms like TikTok and Twitter was surprisingly different. People flooded these platforms with comments like:

“Sorry, I didn’t see anything—my co-pay was too high for glasses.”

“This story got more coverage than my health insurance ever gave me.”

Others began posting their rejection letters from insurance companies, highlighting the injustices they’d faced. Some even asked how they could donate to Mangione’s legal defense, turning him into an unlikely symbol of rebellion.

It didn’t stop there. Memes popped up comparing health insurance executives to wanted terrorists, complete with headshots and salaries. Mangione’s attack, though violent, seemed to give voice to millions of silent frustrations.

Why So Much Anger?

The American healthcare system is notorious for its high costs and low efficiency. The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation, yet it ranks far behind in life expectancy and general health outcomes.

People pay hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars a month in insurance premiums. But when they actually need care, they’re often met with a maze of bureaucracy designed to avoid payouts. Stories of patients going bankrupt or skipping care because of high costs are all too common.

As one commentator put it, “If this level of corruption were happening in another country, America would be dropping bombs for ‘freedom.’”

A Divisive Moment

Not everyone is on board with the public’s reaction. Pennsylvania Governor John Shapiro criticized those celebrating the murder, calling it “deeply disturbing.” Yet this same governor made headlines earlier in the year for autographing ammunition with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, celebrating military violence abroad. The hypocrisy hasn’t gone unnoticed.

To many, the anger directed at Thompson’s murder reflects broader frustration. Americans feel they’re left powerless against corporations that profit from their suffering, and leaders who seem to turn a blind eye.

The Manifesto: A Call for Change?

An alleged manifesto written by Mangione paints a clearer picture of his motives. In it, he called health insurance executives “parasites” and blasted the system for growing corporate profits while Americans’ life expectancy stagnates. He ended the manifesto by saying, “I do not pretend to be the most qualified person to argue this—but they had it coming.”

While violence isn’t the answer, the manifesto highlights a sentiment many Americans share: the system is broken, and no one seems willing to fix it.

What Comes Next?

Mangione’s trial is expected to be a media spectacle, potentially forcing the healthcare industry to confront uncomfortable truths. Will a Manhattan jury, likely familiar with the frustrations of the system, convict him harshly? Or will they sympathize with the broader anger he represents?

One thing is certain: this case has brought the flaws of America’s healthcare system into sharp focus. It’s not just about one man’s actions—it’s about millions of people who feel like they’re fighting a losing battle against an exploitative system.

While violence isn’t how problems should be solved, many Americans seem to view this as an act of rebellion against a system they see as oppressive. Whether the trial sparks real change or just fades into the headlines remains to be seen. But for now, the conversation is impossible to ignore.