New York Police Chief to Those Idolizing Killer: 'A Murderer Is Not a Hero'

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch directly addressed those who "idolize" Luigi Mangione, the man who fatally shot a health insurance executive, asserting that "a murderer is decidedly not a hero." Her strong statement came as Mangione pleaded guilty to the killing.

Tisch emphasized that violence is not a justifiable cause and murder is not a valid message. "A murderer, decidedly, is not a hero," she stated firmly at a press conference held outside the courthouse where Mangione admitted his guilt. The 28-year-old confessed to investigating, seeking out, and fatally shooting Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, as Thompson was heading to a Manhattan hotel conference on December 4, 2024.

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A murderer is decidedly not a hero.

During the court hearing, Mangione explained his actions were driven by years of intense pain from a back injury and frustration with the insurance system. He claimed that posing as an investor to contact the company resulted in a much faster response than his attempts to seek help as a patient.

Bullet casings found at the crime scene were inscribed with words like "deny," "defend," and "depose," which experts interpreted as reflecting Mangione's animosity towards the U.S. health insurance industry, a system where universal healthcare is not provided. Despite the nature of the crime, a movement emerged online celebrating Mangione, fueled by his appearance and perceived cause, leading to memes, merchandise, and public support.

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Luigi Mangione carried out a ruthless act of violence that shocked this city, and his guilty plea today is an important moment of accountability for this heinous crime.