The Big Story

Why are people celebrating the murder of a health-care CEO 

New York police investigators walk along 54th Street outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot, on Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

By Analysis by The Big Story podcast

Posted December 18, 2024 7:21 am.

In the weeks since UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down on the street in Manhattan, the public’s reaction has become a major part of the story.

While some condemn the killing of an innocent man, many are publicly celebrating the shooter’s act of violence.

Why are so many Americans unfazed by the targeted killing of a CEO?

Host David Smith speaks with Ali Breland, staff writer for The Atlantic, who has been writing about the public’s treatment of alleged killer Luigi Mangione.

You can subscribe to The Big Story podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google and Spotify. You can also find it at thebigstorypodcast.ca.
Submit a Correction
Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Girl, 16, suffers life-threatening injuries after being struck by vehicle in Scarborough

A 16-year-old girl has been rushed to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by a vehicle in Scarborough. Toronto police said it happened around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday in...

2h ago

Garbage truck hits TTC wires at King and Spadina; repairs expected to take until the end of the week

Repairs to streetcar wires and the overheard power network at the intersection of King Street West and Spadina Avenue is expected to take to the end of the week after a garbage truck hit wires, affecting...

3h ago

Trudeau jokes that Liberal party is like a family that 'fights around the holidays'

With his political world seemingly crumbling around him, Justin Trudeau proved that one thing is still intact -- his sense of humour. In the midst of high-profile resignations and increasing calls for...

1h ago

Twin sisters set to attend University of Waterloo for PhD program killed by airstrike in Gaza

Twin sisters set to attend University of Waterloo to complete their PhDs have died in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Dalia Ghazi Ibaid and Sally Ghazi Ibaid were planning to come to Waterloo to do their...

1h ago

Top Stories

Girl, 16, suffers life-threatening injuries after being struck by vehicle in Scarborough

A 16-year-old girl has been rushed to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries after she was struck by a vehicle in Scarborough. Toronto police said it happened around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday in...

2h ago

Garbage truck hits TTC wires at King and Spadina; repairs expected to take until the end of the week

Repairs to streetcar wires and the overheard power network at the intersection of King Street West and Spadina Avenue is expected to take to the end of the week after a garbage truck hit wires, affecting...

3h ago

Trudeau jokes that Liberal party is like a family that 'fights around the holidays'

With his political world seemingly crumbling around him, Justin Trudeau proved that one thing is still intact -- his sense of humour. In the midst of high-profile resignations and increasing calls for...

1h ago

Twin sisters set to attend University of Waterloo for PhD program killed by airstrike in Gaza

Twin sisters set to attend University of Waterloo to complete their PhDs have died in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Dalia Ghazi Ibaid and Sally Ghazi Ibaid were planning to come to Waterloo to do their...

1h ago

Most Watched Today

1:59
A garbage truck downs TTC streetcar wires closing the intersection at King and Spadina

Rhianne Campbell spoke to commuters as the closure and subsequent headache continues for the Tuesday evening rush.

17h ago

2:11
Is it Trudeau-over?

The walls appear to be closing in on the Prime Minister - and the NDP. Calls for a new election are only growing after Monday's fall economic update chaos, and the NDP are being called out for continuing to support the unpopular PM.

18h ago

0:54
Postal employees head back to work Tuesday

Mail is set to begin moving again today after a month-long strike by Canada Post employees ended, though the workers' union is challenging the intervention in the labour dispute.
1:46
Smash-and-grab robbery at Fairview Mall followed by hit-and-run

Toronto police say six suspects robbed a jewellery store at Fairview Mall then crashed their getaway car. As Michelle Mackey reports, the mall was packed with holiday shoppers during the smash-and-grab.
2:39
Three dead in Wisconsin private school shooting

Tragedy for a local community in Wisconsin, days before Christmas break. A student opens fire at a private Christian school, killing two people. Afua Baah reports.
More Videos