The suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, who has millions of page views as a hooded assassin, and now as a protesting detainee in an orange jumpsuit, has become a cult hero on social media.
Some see him as a Robin Hood out to teach the mean insurance companies a lesson; and legions of girls are swooning over his smiles and six-packs.
Even as the police collect evidence in what seems to be a watertight case of premeditated murder, donations have poured in from online supporters. So far, $50,000 has been collected through the GiveSendGo fundraiser.
A post on Reddit said: "It's not going to get better any time soon. As long as corporations are considered people, and money is considered free speech, we are stuck in this dystopian hell we call healthcare."
Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested, said the support for the killer was "deeply disturbing". Police officers working on the case have described him as a 'stone-cold killer'.
A crime is a crime; but from the emerging public evidence, it seems Luigi Mangione was sending a message. The bullet casings left behind on the Manhattan sidewalk where the United Health CEO was shot had 'Deny', 'Defend', and 'Depose' inscribed on them.
Investigators say it is a reference to the 2010 book 'Delay, Deny, Defend: Why insurance companies don't pay claims and what you can do about it'. Documents found on Mangione indicate he wanted to get even with the 'corporate greed'.
The message seems to be gaining traction. Reuters has reported "Wanted" posters with the faces of CEOs have appeared on walls in New York.
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
From drought prone village to WHIL: Rutuja Pisal story
IF you wish to visit Rutuja Pisal's village from Pune and opt to use the public vehicle, you have to get to Phaltan, a town in the northeast part of Satara district, first.
IT cos see revival in discretionary demand, deal wins
IT services companies have now started witnessing early signs of revival in discretionary spending and CEOs of top IT companies are optimistic about strong deal wins in coming quarters.
AXAR STEPS INTO A NEW ROLE
Now part of the leadership group, the all-rounder doesn't feel the need to prove to anyone
Ahead of Belagavi rally, Cong seeks Bhagwat's apology over I-Day speech
AS the Congress is set to hold 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Karnataka's Belagavi, the party reiterated its demand that RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat must apologise for the 'anti-national' statement he delivered on the freedom movement.
5 Cops Held Responsible for Badlapur 'Fake' Encounter
Magistrate Report Says No Fingerprints of Deceased Found on the Gun
EVERY STEP YOU TAKE, THEY'LL BE WATCHING YOU
There are many lessons from the work-life balance debate. One is for leaders to watch their words. Another is to recognise the generational shift in attitude towards work
'Do not press the lotus button'
Kejriwal lists benefits being received by residents and compares situation in BJP-ruled states
Iranian court hands death sentence to popular singer for blasphemy
AN Iranian court has sentenced popular singer Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, known as Tataloo, to death on appeal after he was convicted of blasphemy, local media reported on Sunday.
Army Man Killed in Encounter in J&K's Sopore
A soldier has been killed in the ongoing gunfight between militants and armed forces in Zaloora, Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Monday.
Spreading canard: BJP slams AAP over 'blank' book
AS AAP launched a \"blank\" book, 'BJP Ki Uplabdhiyan' (BJP's achievements), as a jibe at BJP's \"unfulfilled\" promises, the saffron party on Monday hit back, saying the AAP leaders can't see development works completed by the Centre as they are busy spreading misinformation.
