The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down in broad daylight in Midtown Manhattan earlier this week, has left family, friends, and colleagues in mourning. While many have expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, parts of social media have taken a different tone, with some users reacting with indifference, anger, or scorn.
Thompson’s untimely death has not only shaken the business world but has also reignited frustration among those critical of the health care industry. Online conversations range from speculative theories about the motives behind the killing to dark humor and pointed commentary about the state of health care.
While some people have shared heartfelt tributes, much of the attention online has been dominated by backlash and frustration aimed at the health care industry. To understand why reactions to the 50-year-old father’s death are so divided, Newsweek spoke with two experts.