Romanticizing Violence: How an Assassination Sparked a Disturbing Cult of Personality

In a shocking turn of events following the tragic assassination of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a disturbing cult of personality appears to be developing around his unidentified killer. Thompson, a family man and respected executive, was shot dead on a Midtown Manhattan sidewalk early Wednesday morning, prompting an immediate manhunt by law enforcement. However, as the days have passed, a segment of the public seems more inclined to glamorize the shooter than to assist in his capture. The gunman, who remains at large, has been depicted in the media as a shadowy figure, with a grainy image of his face prompting comparisons to Hollywood heartthrobs. His distinctive jacket, similar to that featured in police wanted posters, has reportedly become a popular item among some shoppers. Yet, it is the chilling words found inscribed on the bullet casings at the scene—"depose," "deny," and "delay"—that have sparked a troubling fascination among certain individuals, resonating deeply with grievances against the health insurance industry. As the authorities have issued urgent calls for assistance in capturing the shooter, social media has seen an outpouring of support for the gunman. Some users have turned the inscribed words into a rallying cry, reflecting widespread frustrations regarding healthcare practices and corporate malfeasance. Meanwhile, the Upper West Side hostel believed to have housed the suspect has faced a wave of negative online reviews, with patrons deriding the staff as "narcs" for cooperating with law enforcement. Despite the serious implications of such a narrative, the discourse surrounding Thompson's death has largely shifted towards a critique of the healthcare system rather than a condemnation of the violence that claimed his life. Experts have expressed alarm at the way the case has transcended traditional crime dynamics into a space where the shooter is being lionized rather than vilified. Alex Goldenberg, a senior adviser at the Network Contagion Research Institute, noted that the online conversation has mirrored patterns typically seen in the glorification of mass shooters on fringe sites. He described the situation as "disturbing," highlighting that considerable online engagement has favored posts either supporting the killing or disparaging the victim. The implications of framing this act of violence as a symbolic rebellion in a "broader class war" could embolden similar acts, raising the stakes for public safety. In an alarming spectacle, a look-alike contest for the gunman recently drew a crowd at Washington Square Park, with participants donning jackets emblazoned with the controversial phrases. The winner, a 39-year-old labor union employee, expressed pride in the gunman’s actions, asserting that they highlighted the suffering experienced under the health insurance system. Such sentiments have only intensified safety concerns among corporate executives, particularly within the pharmaceutical and insurance sectors. In the wake of Thompson's death, security measures are being reevaluated, emphasizing the precarious nature of leadership in industries often under fire from public scrutiny. In a haunting manifestation of the ongoing discourse, graffiti bearing the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" has been seen more than 100 miles away in Philadelphia, signaling that the narrative surrounding Thompson’s assassination has gained traction beyond New York City. As the manhunt continues, the question remains: how did a brutal act of violence give rise to a troubling veneration of the perpetrator? This unsettling phenomenon reflects not only societal frustrations with the healthcare system but also highlights a growing trend of romanticizing violence, which poses a significant challenge for law enforcement and community safety moving forward.