The suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, who has millions of page views as a hooded assassin, and now as a protesting detainee in an orange jumpsuit, has become a cult hero on social media.
Some see him as a Robin Hood out to teach the mean insurance companies a lesson; and legions of girls are swooning over his smiles and six-packs.
Even as the police collect evidence in what seems to be a watertight case of premeditated murder, donations have poured in from online supporters. So far, $50,000 has been collected through the GiveSendGo fundraiser.
A post on Reddit said: "It's not going to get better any time soon. As long as corporations are considered people, and money is considered free speech, we are stuck in this dystopian hell we call healthcare."
Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested, said the support for the killer was "deeply disturbing". Police officers working on the case have described him as a 'stone-cold killer'.
A crime is a crime; but from the emerging public evidence, it seems Luigi Mangione was sending a message. The bullet casings left behind on the Manhattan sidewalk where the United Health CEO was shot had 'Deny', 'Defend', and 'Depose' inscribed on them.
Investigators say it is a reference to the 2010 book 'Delay, Deny, Defend: Why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it'. Documents found on Mangione indicate he wanted to get even with the 'corporate greed'.
The message seems to be gaining traction. Reuters has reported "Wanted" posters with the faces of CEOs have appeared on walls in New York.
Denne historien er fra December 15, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
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Denne historien er fra December 15, 2024-utgaven av The Morning Standard.
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The Time to Love is Now
Cherish and love those around you while they are still here, as regret often strikes when it's too late
Coffee, Coorg and Avocado
A quaint hillstation in the Western Ghats is witnessing an avocado revolution
Brew a Cup of Beauty
This hot cup of flavoured tea promises clearer skin and a radiant glow
'I am Truth Wing, I am Bharat Wing'
Anand Neelakantan talks to Vikram Sampath about the dichotomy in the narrative regarding Tipu Sultan, and allegations that the author is part of the 'right-wing' historians group
The Partisan Burden of Legislative Umpires
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India the Mother of Democracy, he wasn't kidding.
RENAISSANCE IN CRICKET
With the presence of ex-Oz players in the team, Italy Cricket Federation has shown ambitions to cultivate the sport; their immediate aim will be to qualify for the T20 World Cup in 2026
Wet & watch at Gabba as rain takes centre stage
THE moment players started walking off the field at about 10.45 AM local time, it was clear how the day was going to play out at The Gabba.
Manchester derby: Struggling giants set to lock horns
RIDDLED with anxiety about Manchester City's shocking decline, Pep Guardiola will endure another sleepless night as he tries to pose more problems for Ruben Amorim in the Manchester United manager's first taste of the Premier League's most explosive rivalry.
CEO KILLER IS US, NEW ANTI-HERO
IS thought leaders are struggling to deal with the fallout of the killing of Brian Thompson, CEO of the insurer United Healthcare.
ISL: BFC fight back to earn a point
BENGALURU FC were in danger of suffering their third defeat of the ongoing Indian Super League season, in Bengaluru on Saturday.
