NEW YORK – The New York Police Department (NYPD) on Tuesday warned that there is an increased risk environment for healthcare executives after last week’s ambush and killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
According to the NYPD bulletin, the man suspected of Thompson’s murder, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, could be viewed as a martyr and could inspire “extremists and grievance-driven malicious actors to violence,” reports ABC News.
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Since last week’s attack, viral posts on social media have listed the identification information and salaries of eight health insurance executives. Many users are celebrating Thompson’s murder, and “wanted” signs featuring healthcare company executives have been posted throughout New York City.
Healthcare Corporations Scramble to Bolster Executive Security
In response to the heightened threat landscape, corporations are scrambling to increase the personal security of their senior executives, reports CNN. CVS Health and other companies have pulled photos of their executives off their websites, reports Fox Business.
Medica temporarily closed its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., following Thompson’s shooting. Some corporations are adding armed security personnel for executives as they travel and commute to work. Others have increased their monitoring of social media threats.
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The increase in executive security comes as more information on Mangione and his possible motivations come to light. During their investigation of the shooting, police found a two-page handwritten document written by him that condemned the healthcare industry and said violence is the only solution.
Mangione also had long-term back problems and posted on Reddit about his pain. There is speculation that his back problems led to negative experiences with healthcare providers, reports Newsweek.
