More Murders of Business Leaders Loom, Polls Reveal
Two-thirds of U.S. likely voters warn that more murders of business leaders are coming, in reaction to the recent slaying of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. According to national surveys by Rasmussen, Emerson College Polling, and Economist/YouGov, a significant number of Americans express empathy for Thompson’s murder and sympathize with the suspect, Luigi Mangione.
A staggering 67% of U.S. likely voters believe it is at least somewhat likely that the murder will inspire copycats who target other business executives. A quarter of respondents believe it is “very likely” and 42% say it is “somewhat likely” that imitators will try to kill the heads of other disliked businesses and industries.
The Rasmussen survey found that the belief that the murder will inspire copycats was consistent across all demographic cohorts. The Economist/YouGov poll also revealed that empathy for Thompson’s murder or Mangione as a suspect is highest among young and Democrat respondents. Interestingly, Mangione has the same favorability rating as FBI Director Christopher Wray and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, at 20%.
These findings suggest that there is a growing sentiment of violence and retribution against business leaders, which may have grave consequences for corporate America.