Luigi M. (26) is said to have encouraged the shooting of the CEO of United Healthcare, Brian Thompson († 50). Benjamin B. Braun/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP/dpa © Benjamin B. Braun/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP/dpa
“We have no evidence that he was ever a customer of United Healthcare,” said chief investigator Joseph Kenny in an interview with “NBC New York” about the suspect, who had a handwritten “manifesto” with him when he was arrested on Monday this week himself had worn.
“But he mentioned that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which in turn makes it the largest health care provider in America. “That’s probably why he chose the company,” Kenny said.
Brian Thompson († 50) was shot at close range near busy Times Square in Manhattan on December 4th and died of his injuries in a hospital.
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The crime, which was filmed by surveillance cameras, and the search for the fugitive shooter made headlines around the world.
Five days after the fatal shooting, Luigi M. was noticed in the restaurant of a fast food chain in Pennsylvania and was arrested. Just hours after his arrest, he was charged with, among other things, murder in Manhattan.
The investigation continues at full speed. © Gene J. Puskar/AP
According to the police, the graduate of an elite university and son of a wealthy family, who despite the cold-blooded act was quickly styled by some on the Internet as an “Avenger” and a modern-day “Robin Hood,” sees himself as a hero.
“He appeared to view the targeted killing of the company's top official as a symbolic strike and direct action against the company's alleged corruption and 'power games',” US media quoted a New York police report as saying. Luigi M. sees himself as an art martyr who has decided to finally take action against such injustices.
In fact, the horror of the crime online quickly merged with the concentrated anger of many people against the healthcare system and the entire insurance industry in the USA.
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Both are strongly organized in the private sector: supply and demand play a central role, hospitals and insurance companies are – unlike in Germany – predominantly not in public hands.
Horrible drug prices, doctor's fees and administrative costs are perceived by many as unfair. Low earners and the unemployed in particular often do not get the help they need. According to a survey by the Gallup polling institute, 81 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the cost of care.
