Democrat Rep Alexandria Ocasio Cortez commented on the brutal killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson allegedly by Luigi Mangione and said that those who are shocked by people’s lack of sympathy for Thompson don’t understand Amaricans’ frustration with the healthcare system. Drawing a line, she said an act of violence is not justified, “but I think for anyone who is confused or shocking or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them”.
“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,” AOC said.
AOC’s comments added to the ongoing debate as to whether there should be such glorification of murder which only increases the risk of copycat murders. Luigi Mangione fund has already raised over $70,000 with donors hailing Mangione as a “true American hero”.
“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, slamming AOC’s language.
AOC is not the first prominent voice to speak in favor of Americans angry over health insurance. Former Washington Post journalist Taylor Lorenz celebrated the murder and said she felt joy. Though she faced flak for her stance, she stuck to it and said she reflected the emotions of thousands of Americans. She clarified that if not joy she did not feel empathy for the murdered CEO.
