December 2024
The targeted killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has shocked the corporate world, particularly the healthcare sector. While law enforcement continues the investigation, we are actively assessing the impact of this attack. Although the investigation is far from complete, we can share some initial thoughts based on publicly released details.
It appears that Luigi Mangione, Thompson’s killer, had no prior connection to United Healthcare and was not insured under any of their programs. Early analysis of Mangione’s social media posts, writings, and statements from friends and associates indicates a deep-seated animus toward the health insurance industry. Reportedly, Mangione was suffering from chronic pain due to a major back injury. Although he had no direct ties to United Healthcare, it is believed he targeted the organization because of its size and dominance in the health insurance market.
If the attack itself wasn’t alarming enough, the public reaction has been equally concerning. Within hours of his identification, social media posts praised Mangione as a folk hero and sex symbol. The online ecosystem was flooded with video mashups, Biblical memes, and various gags about Mangione and the killing. In Washington Square, New Yorkers even held a shooter lookalike contest, featuring contestants wearing hoods and masks. The McDonald’s restaurant where Mangione was arrested has since hired private security to protect workers after they began receiving death threats.
While many of these posts can be dismissed as insensitive trolling, others are far more alarming. There is a real concern that unstable individuals with grievances against corporations, organizations, or business leaders could view these posts as creating a “permission structure” for copycat attacks. Supporters have set up fundraising accounts for Mangione’s legal defense, with one such account already raising more than $130,000. At least one billboard has appeared in Southern California reading, “Free Luigi Mangione, He’s a Hero.” Pro-Mangione and anti-corporate graffiti have also been observed in Europe.
Additionally, multiple social media posts have called for the killing of other CEOs. Wanted posters naming specific executives were even seen in New York City, further intensifying concerns.
Troubling statements have not been confined to social media trolls. Political figures, such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, have made remarks that, while not explicitly condoning violence, could be interpreted as tacit support. In a recent Huffington Post interview, Warren stated, “Violence is never the answer, but if you push people hard enough, they start to take matters into their own hands” — hardly a full-throated condemnation of violence.
Taylor Lorenz, a controversial journalist formerly with The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, expressed “joy” at the CEO’s death. On social media, she shared a celebratory image featuring cartoon party balloons with the phrase “CEO down.” Comments like these, along with the deification of Mangione on social media, have significantly elevated the risk to organizations and key executives.
In our September 2023 edition of Left of Boom, we explored the issue of threat surges and contagion. Already, troubling developments have emerged: a Florida woman was recently arrested after making a threatening call to BlueCross BlueShield regarding denied medical claims. This incident is unlikely to be the last and will not be limited to the healthcare sector. Organizations across all industries, particularly those with public-facing complaint processes, must remain vigilant to potential threats.
Corporate Reaction
As expected, interest in executive protection services has surged, with some CEOs even considering arming themselves for personal safety. The security industry has also seen opportunistic social media activity, with providers promoting bodyguard services and software promising to identify potential threats.
Security budgets have historically been highly sensitive to episodic adjustments. Following a major security incident or near miss, organizations typically increase security spending. However, these funds are often directed toward visible enhancements, such as physical infrastructure improvements (e.g., cameras, locks, and alarms) or the deployment of uniformed and armed security personnel. While these measures may improve overall security, they are not sufficient on their own. Organizations must commit to sustaining funding levels and adopt a holistic approach to security. This approach should include not only physical enhancements but also measures to prevent acts of violence and develop protective intelligence capabilities to detect and mitigate emerging threats.
Recommendations
Corporate leaders must move away from viewing security as merely a budget line item or a non-revenue-producing cost center. Security awareness and prevention must be embedded in an organization’s culture, brand, and identity. We urge corporate leaders to consider the following:
- Identify Vulnerabilities and Assess Risks: A comprehensive risk/vulnerability assessment is key. Such an assessment should identify potential threats and vulnerabilities specific to the daily routines, public appearances, and travel schedules of CEOs and key executives.
- Adopt a Holistic Security Approach: Organizations must balance visible physical security enhancements with investments in protective intelligence and prevention efforts. Based on updated risk/vulnerability assessments, CEOs and key executives should employ a ‘layered’ approach to personal security. This includes ongoing threat assessments and the implementation of risk-based physical security measures.
- View Security as a Core Business Imperative: Security operations should be integrated into the overall business strategy, not treated as just another non-revenue-producing cost center.
- Social Media Exposure and Digital Footprints: Senior executives, particularly CEOs, should review their social media presence to identify potential vulnerabilities. This includes both professional and personal accounts. Executives should reassess the merits of participation in interviews, public appearances, and online commentary to minimize exposure while maintaining a necessary business presence. Given the heightened risks, now may be a prudent time for executives to limit or temporarily halt social media activity, particularly around controversial topics.
