NYPD Chief: Murderer of CEO is 'definitely not a hero'

New York Police Chief Jessica Tisch directly addressed those who "idolize" Luigi Mangione, the man responsible for fatally shooting a health insurance CEO in Manhattan. Tisch firmly stated that a murderer cannot be considered a hero, regardless of the circumstances or perceived cause.

"To those who idolize Luigi Mangione, I say this: violence is not a cause, murder is not a message, and a murderer is definitely not a hero," Tisch declared at a press conference 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 en route to a conference in December 2024.

“

To those who idolize Luigi Mangione, I say this: violence is not a cause, murder is not a message, and a murderer is definitely not a hero.

Mangione claimed his actions stemmed from years of intense pain due to a back injury and his frustrating experiences with the insurance system. He asserted that after pretending to be an investor in an email to the company, he received a much faster response than he did as a patient. Ballistics evidence from the crime scene, inscribed with words like "deny," "defend," and "depose," suggested Mangione's animosity towards the U.S. health insurance industry, a country lacking universal healthcare.

Despite the violent nature of the crime, a movement emerged online admiring Mangione for both his perceived cause and his physical appearance. This led to a proliferation of memes, merchandise, and public support through letters and court appearances. Tisch acknowledged Mangione's guilty plea as a significant moment of accountability for the "atrocious crime" that shocked the city.

“

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 atrocious crime.