Donald Trump has addressed the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson during a recent press conference, condemning the crime and reacting to the public’s reaction to the main suspect, Luigi Mangione. Trump called the killing, which took place outside a Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on December 4, a “cold-blooded” and “horrible” act. He expressed shock at the support some people have shown Mangione, who allegedly killed Thompson due to grievances with the healthcare system after his relative reportedly died due to lack of care.
Mangione, who was arrested in Pennsylvania, reportedly had a handwritten manifesto with hostile remarks against the healthcare industry, including the phrase “these parasites had it coming.” This led to increased scrutiny of corporate leaders, with “Wanted” signs featuring CEOs popping up in New York City. Trump, however, dismissed any sympathy for Mangione, labeling it a “sickness.” He also critiqued the manner of Thompson’s murder, which took place in broad daylight, and the public’s continued support for the alleged killer, attributing it to sensationalized media coverage.
The case, which has attracted widespread attention, has also sparked two documentaries in development and led to revelations about Mangione’s personal life, including his time in state prison and his alleged behavior, such as a video showing him smashing a beer bottle against his head. Trump downplayed the idea that the public’s reaction to Mangione is significant, calling it a creation of “fake news.”
In addition to the Thompson case, Trump touched on several other topics, including vaccines, his upcoming inauguration, and mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal supporter of Trump, also weighed in on the Thompson case, speculating that the valorization of Mangione might be a political maneuver to push for socialized medicine, though support for Mangione has been bipartisan.
Mangione is awaiting extradition to New York, where he faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder. His defense team has raised significant funds for his case.