From a High School Student’s Perspective—Or, Perhaps, a Future Criminal Investigator’s: The UnitedHealth CEO Case

By: Nicole Russo

The shocking murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked a flood of questions about the safety of public figures and the systemic corruption that often lurks behind closed doors in the healthcare industry. Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, where he was attending a healthcare conference. Days later, police arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who now faces murder charges.

The incident has ignited a complex and, in many ways, disturbing debate. While many have expressed condolences and concern, a significant number of people took to social media with reactions that ranged from indifference to outright approval of the crime. These responses appear rooted in deep frustrations with the American healthcare system in general—and with insurance giants like UnitedHealth Group in particular.

This reaction is part of a broader, global issue: growing discontent with how healthcare is managed and financed in the United States. For years, patients and providers alike have criticized insurance companies for policies that often seem to prioritize profit over care. From claim denials and endless administrative hurdles to rising premiums and out-of-pocket costs, the system has left many Americans feeling powerless and unheard. Thompson, as the public face of one of the nation's largest insurers, became a symbol—fairly or not—of those grievances.

The public response to his death serves as a sobering reminder of how urgent it is to confront these systemic problems. If left unchecked, widespread frustration can escalate into dangerous territory. The path forward must involve a collaborative effort among policymakers, industry leaders, and everyday citizens to rebuild trust and reform the healthcare system into one that truly serves the needs of all. Only then can we prevent further tragedies and ensure that anger never turns into violence.

(Levenson, 2025)