Yesterday, a “strong person of interest” was captured in connection to the murder of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO. Authorities believe the man in their custody is the assailant, and questions surrounding his extradition to New York to face murder charges are being investigated. Since the murder of Thompson, widespread support for the killer has spread online, stirring questions about the health care system in the U.S. and the moral and ethical implications. In response to support for the UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder, Democrats are issuing swift denouncement, saying there’s “zero tolerance” for such behavior.
Altoona, Pennsylvania made news yesterday evening as a “strong person of interest” believed to be the killer of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was apprehended. In the evening, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) took part in a press conference with law enforcement, discussing the man’s capture but also speaking directly to people who have shown support for the murder.
In his comments, Governor Shapiro urged Americans not to let their “real frustration with our healthcare system” cloud their judgement in such a way that they “dehumanize” Brian Thompson. Calling out the “disturbing” support behind the murder, Governor Shapiro added that “Brian Thompson was a father to two. He was a husband. And he was a friend to many. And yes, he was the CEO of a health insurance company.”
“In America, we do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” he added.
Democrats in South Florida are also weighing in to the murder, and given that the alleged perpetrator was found with a “ghost gun” in his possession, Democrats are also calling for more gun control.
On social media, former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) slammed support for the murder, writing that “there is zero tolerance for anyone who kills in cold blood in America.”
There is zero tolerance for anyone who kills in cold blood in America. Once again, the unchecked flow of illegal weapons has ended in senseless tragedy. Gun violence is a crime. Don’t you dare apologize or make excuses for someone capable of such a heinous act, to do so is to… pic.twitter.com/V0LroaGgkO
— Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (@DebbieforFL) December 10, 2024
“Once again, the unchecked flow of illegal weapons has ended in senseless tragedy,” she added on social media, sharing an opinion piece on people “rooting for” Thompson’s killer.
“Gun violence is a crime. Don’t you dare apologize or make excuses for someone capable of such a heinous act, to do so is to lose your morality,” she warned, adding that “it’s time for decisive action to end this epidemic and hold criminals accountable.”
