Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sparked controversy Thursday with her comments on the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. She suggested that those shocked by the lack of sympathy toward the slain CEO do not fully understand the public’s frustration with the healthcare system.
“This is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them,” the New York congresswoman told CBS News’ Jaala Brown.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that systemic inequality is at the root of the problem. “Health care in this country has gotten to such a depraved state that people are living with things they should never have to live with. And this is not to say and this is not to participate in that glorification, but we need to understand that extreme levels of inequality in the United States yield high degrees of social instability,” she said.
Her remarks sparked backlash from those who objected to excusing the murder, those supporting accused killer Luigi Mangione, and others who are concerned about growing threats toward other CEOs.
“No AOC, you don’t get to justify violence,” one user wrote on X.
“Violence is never the answer, full stop. Rationalizing such actions only deepens divisions and detracts from real solutions. The focus should be on reforming the system, not excusing tragedy. Leadership should aim to heal, not fan the flames of desperation,” another user said on X, criticizing Ocasio-Cortez’s statements.
The controversy surrounding Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks coincides with reports of copycat threats, including a Florida mother who was arrested Tuesday after allegedly threatening BlueCross BlueShield over a denied medical claim.
Thompson was tragically shot outside the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue as he walked to a conference hosted by UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, on Dec. 4. The shooting has sparked national conversations about the healthcare system.
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer, led police on a five-day manhunt before being arrested at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s after an employee recognized him and alerted authorities. He was found with a manifesto-like document criticizing UnitedHealthcare and accusing health insurance companies of corporate greed.
