Several high-profile progressive figures have made controversial comments following the murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot and killed outside a hotel in Manhattan. While condemning the violence, some have linked Thompson’s death to the struggles of the US healthcare system, with some even expressing apparent sympathy for the accused murderer.
Senator Elizabeth Warren said that Thompson’s death serves as a “warning” that people can be pushed only so far, leading them to take matters into their own hands. Warren later clarified that she believes violence is never justified. MSNBC host Joy Reid similarly stated that people are “very angry” about healthcare, and that Thompson’s murder is not the way to change the system.
Journalist Taylor Lorenz appeared to express joy over Thompson’s death, citing her frustration with the healthcare industry’s denial of coverage and high premiums. “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin read out mocking comments on social media about Thompson’s death, attributing the celebration to widespread discontent with the healthcare system.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged that violence is never justified, but argued that people view health insurance denials as an act of aggression. These comments have been met with criticism, with some arguing that they amount to justifying or trivializing violence.
Piers Morgan clashed with Taylor Lorenz on his show, criticizing her apparent sympathy for the accused murderer and denying that Thompson’s death can be justified. Morgan described Thompson as a “husband and father,” emphasizing the human cost of his murder.