UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead outside Manhattan Hilton hotel in 'targeted attack' BREAKING

[superpatriotman]

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the NYPD confirmed to The Independent. Police sources believe the killing was a “targeted attack,” the New York Post reported. Thompson, who joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, was reportedly shot in the chest. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/unitedhealthcare-ceo-brian-thompson-shot-dead-b2658728.html

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/unitedhealthcare-ceo-fatally-shot-ny-post-reports-2024-12-04/

https://nypost.com/2024/12/04/us-news/ceo-of-unitedhealthcare-fatally-shot-outside-of-hilton-hotel-in-nyc-in-possible-targeted-attack-sources/

NSFW NSFL edit:
From Twitter - NSFW footage of the murder reinforcing speculation of a professional hit:

Link to tweet

[XanaDUer2]

1. Revenge?

[superpatriotman]

7. Pre existing condition

DENIED

[Prairie Gates]

16. That's cold as ice

[Hope22]

87. The whole system is! N/ t

[malaise]

175. THIS

Rec

[Think. Again.]

98. Yes, insurance companies can be that way.

[tonkatoy8888]

100. Yep

Last edited Wed Dec 4, 2024, 03:36 PM - Edit history (1)

When your business model requires that you deny coverage in life and death situations this can only be viewed as an occupational hazard. I'm surprised he didn't travel with private security. When you kill people intentionally due to your avarice there might be blowback from dissatisfied customers. This guy made last year, roughly, what the average American makes in three lifetimes. Actions have consequences.

[Bluetus]

117. Let's wait to see what the motive was.

It could be anything. I don't know anything about the guy. But it is a pretty safe bet that he was a vindictive, money-grubbing asshole. It is hard to imagine anybody rising in that industry any other way.

And if that is an accurate description, it could be:
* a disgruntled employee
* a guy whose wife or child died, blaming UHC
* a love triangle that turned violent
* a mob hit
* a case of mistaken identity

[LeftInTX]

142. I doubt if it's mistaken identity.

But it could be anything else on your list.

[Dan]

153. You forgot

* God’s will.

[Bluetus]

158. In that case, T&Ps are in order

But it is too soon to talk about gun violence., of course.

We don't know the motive. It might have been everyday rage or mental illness, having little or nothing to do with his role as CEO of a company that is part of an industry that systematically vacuums up almost 20% of everything that happens in the USA. But I do feel that the Trump era, all the normalization we have seen from Republicans and the corporate media have put this country on a path where this kind of violence becomes commonplace and even morally justifiable to some. Heretofore, nearly all of this kind of (presumably) politically/socially-inspired violence has come from the far right. If this one came from the far left (and we have no evidence of that yet), I fear that opens up a whole new era.

There are many people from MAGA/Q world who would welcome widespread violence and chaos from all sides, with their attitude of "burn the mother---- down".

[jmowreader]

168. Expand your second one and you're probably on the right track

I’m going to get out my roll of Reynolds Wrap and make a hat from it for this one, and for that I apologize in advance.

UnitedHealthcare is the biggest player in the Medicare Advantage market…and also the one most likely to deny a claim. Could the person who either did this or arranged for it to be done be the relative of someone who died because UHC denied a claim and the person died due to the denial?

[Emrys]

182. I watched the video footage

Last edited Wed Dec 4, 2024, 05:27 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm no expert, but it looked like a cool, calculated professional hitjob.

The victim came into view on the street, walking away from the camera. The assassin, wearing a hoodie with his (?) back to the camera, came quickly into view from the roadside where some vehicles were parked, then fired the first shot. The victim staggered forward against a wall and turned to face the assassin, who kept walking towards him and fired a second shot, the victim collapsed, at which the assassin fired again while nearing him. The assassin walked casually past him, then walked into the road and broke into a run as he moved to the far side.

One person was in a doorway that was between the assassin and the victim when the first shot was fired, but fled past the camera at that point. There was someone in a car parked level with where the victim finally fell as its left blinker was going and its brake lights operated as the assassin walked in front of the car. Neither seemed to have anything to do with the incident.

[EX500rider]

183. Also appeared to be a silenced pistol with subsonic ammo...

...which is quieter but not powerful enough to cycle the weapon, you can see him manually cocking it after every shot

[Bluetus]

185. Cool and calculated. Not so sure about professional.

It seems to me there is much that could have gone wrong. I'm thinking a real professional hit man would have looked for an opportunity that had fewer bystanders, one of whom might have decided to be a hero.

But maybe this is the easiest way to make such a hit.

It certainly wasn't a random act, or a street gang. It was clearly an assassination with the element of surprise, disguise and a good escape plan. He probably ditched the outer layer of clothes in Central Park and then simply strolled out like anybody else.

Just a hunch, but I'd look into what his wife has been up to, assuming he is married. Or more likely, if he has been romancing another whose partner isn't so accepting of open relationships. In any case, my hunch is the shooter was hired, and not acting out of his own personal rage.

[GoCubsGo]

28. Making room for someone who is even worse?

My first thoughts went to "revenge," too. But, when you step back and realize that Dregs of Humanity are about to take control of our government, I wouldn't put anything past them, including bumping off someone, so they can install their own toady. Or, make sure they stay quiet, a la Jeffery Epstein.

[CousinIT]

2. Just saw this. Hmmm... n/t

[Asa13]

3. Oh no how terrible

Rest in torment fucker

[Maru Kitteh]

4. Reserving comment.

[XanaDUer2]

8. This might be the beginning

Of finally fed up peons

[Maru Kitteh]

12. It may be. My first thought was. "They should be afraid." I wish

death on almost no one, this man included - but that said - they should be afraid.

[MontanaMama]

61. Wish I could rec this more than once.

You read my mind.

[Maru Kitteh]

73. Waiting for the UH corporate PR machine to kick into gear, flood the media with

footage of the beautiful blonde grieving widow and her tousle-haired children if possible, great publicity! Quick! Get the broken-bodied custodian in front of the camera to tell us how he smiled and said “hello” every morning just like custodians were real people!

They should all be afraid. Things are getting broken out here, and their safety is an illusion.

[MontanaMama]

91. I believe this to be true.

Things are indeed breaking and in many cases maybe irretrievably broken. When humans get desperate and angry, we are in for a ride. When the oligarchy gets antsy, we are also in for a ride. They should be afraid.

[DENVERPOPS]

104. Yessss MM

I once heard a guy, who worked in a top U.S. corporation, and got screwed over, say to the CEO......"every night before you go to bed you should say a prayer for me, and pray to god that I never get a terminal disease you despicable piece of shit"......

U.S. Corporations and Uber wealthy Republicans have purchased the best politicians that money can buy.
99% of Corporations and 100% of their stockholders have had a good time royally screwing over customers and employees alike......
The Corporations have almost completely merged with Government....Definition of Fascism: Merger of Corporations and Gov't..

I can only imagine, LOL, that every future negotiation for a job as a CEO, besides a "Golden Parachute" clause, will include a demand for 24/7 bodyguards for the CEO and every member of their family.......

[FSogol]

169. Bodyguards? More likely, private armies. N/t

[Bluetus]

187. Trump believes he benefits from chaos, so

he will be glad to see this be where we go as a society.

[Bettie]

13. Literally what my DH just said

maybe the dam is breaking.

I bet it comes out that this guy lost someone because of UHC's decision.

[XanaDUer2]

15. Even Americans must have a breaking point

They seem willing to put up with anything

[wolfie001]

19. That's why the dummies voted for republicans

We have a dumb voter problem in the US. Oh, don't forget the Trans Outrage. Better yet, how many jackasses sat on their hands and didn't vote. Health care is gonna get worse now, not better.

[NJCher]

66. I have some figures on that....

The Dumb Voter Problem is 31% of the population; the jackass problem is 40% of the population.

[Moostache]

89. Do those overlap on the Venn Diagram or or they cummulative?

I kinda feel like this country IS about 71% irredeemable asshattery about now...

[wolfie001]

178. And they pet their AR-15s more than their effing dogs

[wolfie001]

177. Amazing, though, how regular they show up to vote

Meanwhile, so many are like, "Why didn't the Democratic Party fix all of my and the World's problems? Yesterday? Hhhhhmmmmm

[dchill]

119. It's not health care that's getting worse...

...it's the ever-expanding business of privatizing the so-called insurance that one is required to have to receive it. As a country, we pumped many millions of dollars into Rick Scott's pocket. It was demonstrably criminal, yet he's still a sitting US Senator. With LOTS of money.

[DENVERPOPS]

171. You forgot to say

Rick Scott's company committed corruption and was found guilty of illegally siphoning 1.3 BILLION of our tax dollars. (Medicare Fraud)

Rick Scott didn't even get a hand slap, the Corporation got nailed, because he only organized, implemented, directed, and collected off his fraud.......

[wolfie001]

179. Fucking Florida Fail

3 Big Effs there

[TBF]

59. As someone with a chronic health condition, my first thought

was "that was intentional - midtown manhattan on a wed. morning"

[Hassin Bin Sober]

74. Doubtful.

This seems a little too calculated. Probably family fortune related if I had to guess.

But you never know. My buddy who is a Public Defender once told me how proud he was of a client who wore a mask to rob a currency exchange - it gave him something to work with. Sometimes amateurs can make an effort.

[ColinC]

76. They dont know how to vote for policies that benefit them

So they just murder the people who benefit from those policies that they voted for?

[Think. Again.]

113. as though those policies JUST HAPPEN to benefit them.

You do know the insurance industry has a massive bribery lobbying force, right?

[ColinC]

122. Yeah but i couldnt fit all that in a subject line

Nonetheless, the policies that allow the lobbying is what I'm really talking about.

[Traildogbob]

110. Right!!!

And the first to fill the pain and suffer the most from the billionaire regime own most of the biggest most deadly weapons. And have been groomed to take back their country and Freedoms aggressively since the Black Man.
GQP armed them, fired them up, encouraged them shooting those you oppose, so when they get WOKE from that billionaire penis poking those in the air assholes with their heads buried in the sand………. what could go wrong?

[malaise]

176. Or

A fed up someone

[Historic NY]

5. Who did he piss off?

The masked man then fled through the Ziegfeld alleyway and hopped on a bike to flee the scene.

[Ray Bruns]

108. My guess is everyone United Healthcare screwed over.

That should narrow it down to about 50 million suspects.

[GreenWave]

159. At least the perp is somewhat eco-friendly.

[RedWhiteBlueIsRacist]

6. A new "Law and Order" episode is probably in the works

as we speak.

[wolfie001]

22. lol

[Dennis Donovan]

9. UHC has a poor reputation as a health insurer

I wonder if this is related to someone not getting lifesaving healthcare because of a UHC decision?

[yardwork]

23. See my post downthread.

United has threatened to drop health care systems across the nation this fall. Our local health care systems were affected.

[newdeal2]

10. Could be a disgruntled employee

Or maybe something in his personal life that was a secret..

[LeftInTX]

124. Yeah. Could be numerous things.

Odds are it is probably not someone who had a claim denied.
A customer would have stalked him out near his home. ( Find his address and go from there)

This person knew his meeting schedule.

[peregrinus]

174. It was a stockholders meeting

So the killer didn’t have to know his schedule in so far that he knew he’d be at this meeting.

[dalton99a]

11. Maybe somebody's loved one died because UnitedHealthcare refused to pay

A not uncommon occurrence in our medical insurance system

[Prairie Gates]

14. "the masked gunman was said to have fled eastbound on 6th Avenue"

I have a sense of why they haven't caught the guy yet. Sixth Avenue is a north-south street, so fleeing eastbound on it is truly some magical evasion procedure.

[yardwork]

20. Another report did say he went down an alley..

And something about fleeing on foot and then bike.

[Prairie Gates]

30. Yeah, I know, I'm just goofing on The Independent

The NY Post said he fled eastbound off 6th Avenue into an alley. The Independent wrote the sentence that I quoted in my subject line, which is pretty much impossible (fleeing eastbound on 6th Avenue). Maybe 54th street?

[IbogaProject]

42. Maybe 46th St ?

Whew, I feel so bad for the dectives who have to sift through dozens of associates and then millions of their coustomers.

[Prairie Gates]

50. The Hilton is between 53rd and 54th

[Henry203]

64. I have stayed at that Hilton every tear since 2006.

The assassination was on the side entrance which is how I entered the Hilton. It is the least watched entrance. There is a deli across the street where everyone got breakfast. It wouldn't surprise me that he was going or coming from eating.

[yardwork]

43. Well, they're Brits. What do they know about NYC?

I know... just riffing along with you.

[Celerity]

96. the Independent reporter, Justin Rohrlich, is an American based out of NYC

Justin Rohrlich is a staff reporter based in NYC. Past bylines include VICE News, The Daily Beast, Foreign Policy, NKNews.org, and others. He won an Emmy in 2008.

you can hear him here, from 2011

https://heritageradionetwork.org/episode/justin-rohrlich/

[markpkessinger]

163. There are no alleys in midtown . . .

. . . There is something colloquially known as 6½ Avenue, which is a pedestrian walkway that runs parallel to 6th Avenue, about midblock between 6th and 7th, from 51st to 57th Street.

[yardwork]

165. Now that video is out, it appears that eyewitnesses were wrong about a bunch of things.

The shooter.was not wearing a cream-colored jacket as first reported. He was dressed in all black, with a light colored backpack.

He didn't appear to flee, exactly. He walked up to his victim and then walked away, across the street. I'm sure a lot of the reports are wrong.

[Drum]

29. My immediate thought also...was just on that block Sunday

[Prairie Gates]

32. Yeah, I'm trying to figure out what they're even talking about

The plaza and the "alley" (so-called 6th 1/2 Avenue) on either side of the Ziegfeld Theatre are also North-South running. In any case, those would both be WEST of 6th Avenue off 54th Street.

[littlemissmartypants]

52. I'm impressed by your...

Knowledge of the city layout! Really. ❤️

[Captain_New_York]

65. 6 th ave runs North/South

And no New Yorker ever calls it “Avenue of the Americas”

[Prairie Gates]

82. Literally the point of the post that you're responding to

[markodochartaigh]

127. Username checks out

n/t

[XanaDUer2]

17. Formerly head of UHC "gov services" Medicare

https://nypost.com/2024/12/04/us-news/ceo-of-unitedhealthcare-fatally-shot-outside-of-hilton-hotel-in-nyc-in-possible-targeted-attack-sources/

Interesting

[FirstLight]

81. That's the only reason I knew who the company was...Medicaid for the elderly

They are bigtime govt providers, I thnk maybe the only ones?

I agree with the ideas that it culd have been someonewho lost a loved one. But I also thnk this has more to do with some "taking out" of the CEO's of the big govt contractors/allies (haven't had coffee yet, trying to come up with the right word lol)

[Joinfortmill]

126. This doesn't look like a 'personal' or business matter

It looks like someone who's family member died due to the actions of the company

[soandso]

184. Maybe not a disgruntled amateur

Law enforcement sources said it appeared the shooter not only used a silencer, but was proficient enough with the gun to smoothly clear it after a jam to continue firing.

How people have silencers?

But, then, I don't think a pro would be carrying his cell phone:

But the killer’s apparently measured actions – including an escape on an electric Citi Bike into Central Park, where surveillance camera coverage is spotty – could be undercut by him apparently dropping a key clue: a cell phone.

I can't even begin to count the number of murders I've followed where cell phone data broke the case.

[yardwork]

18. United Healthcare has been negotiating contracts this fall.

I don't know how many people were affected. My wife is covered by United and if her doctors' health care system hadn't reached an agreement with United - literally at the last minute - none of her doctors or their hospital would be in network. She would have had to find all new doctors and go to different clinics and hospitals OR pay thousands and thousands more for her care.

United did this to health care systems across the nation this fall.

[wolfie001]

24. We Americans voted for this very care every time we vote republican

Not us of course, but the 50% of jackasses who do vote repuke EVERY ELECTION!!! Then when they're sick, they immediately blame the Democrats or George Soros.

[Walleye]

26. But but but Democrats kill babies don't you know?

[Think. Again.]

118. yes, and we price eggs too high, also.

[GreenWave]

160. And babies come from eggs. Oh the plot thickens!

[yardwork]

27. Well...

This is a sore point. Many Democrats decline to support universal healthcare, leaving the private insurance companies firmly in charge of our system.

Obamacare (ACA) barely got passed by Congress, and only thanks to Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden for twisting arms. Still, they were unable to include a public option, meaning that every carrier in the ACA marketplace is a private company.

Most nations on Earth now have some form of universal health coverage. Every U.S. citizen should have that, issued by the government, without having to deal with our nightmare system.

[Jk23]

44. We had a really good chance to pass one in 74

But democrats in the senate led by Kennedy held out for a better deal... then the recession happened and here we are fifty years later still waiting.

[Emile]

57. +13 k&r

[iscooterliberally]

84. My wife and I got caught up in that too.

We thought we were going to have to find new doctors, but at the last second they sorted it out. I used to have a plan with Humana through my employer, but Humana shut it down and we got stuck with UHC. All my scripts and co-pays went up of course. Fun times...

[yardwork]

85. Right. We have very little choice about who carries our coverage.

I don't know why Americans put up with this.

[dflprincess]

130. In Minnesota two or three systems have said they'll drop UHC

Medicare Advantage plans because of the high rate of denials.

[kenziemom06]

180. Yep

I have @ $800 in new medical bills (from well visits) because suddenly UHC won't work with my previously in network OB/GYN. Very, very frustrating.

[Yavin4]

21. UnitedHealthcare's stock is up this morning.

So there is that.

[wolfie001]

25. Wall Street Wolves

[Auggie]

75. +1

[mathematic]

80. He was the CEO of a subdivision of the listed company. UnitedHealth Group CEO is alive and well

The stock dropped immediately upon the news and then recovered by open. It's currently up a very normal amount on a day where the overall market is up.

[GreenWave]

161. This is Howard Cossell reporting live.

UH stock is up this morning, but Brian Thompson is not.

[Liberal In Texas]

31. Satisfied customer, no doubt.

Pretty well planned. He laid in wait outside, probably had scoped out what route he'd use from previous observations. Multiple shots and then escaped on a bike - which is probably a good way in New York.

VP and CEO made $10,221,898 in 2023.

[Liberal In Texas]

37. And there's reports the gunman used a silencer.

Almost starting to sound like a professional hit.

[IbogaProject]

46. No way

It was just a citizen using his "second admendment" rights, thanks Supreme Court for allowing maga and other ilk to bring their unregulated concealed weapon into NYC.

[Liberal In Texas]

55. Could be. Since so many civilians collect military and law enforcement grade weapons any more

it could be anybody.

[Henry203]

53. Really well planned

I have been going to that Hilton every year since 2006. I used that side entrance all the time. It is the least watched. There is a deli across the street where everyone went for breakfast. I would not doubt he had d gone ther for braekfast and was walking back. It is right near the parking garage.

[Drum]

90. Yup, that entrance is the most direct way to escalators up, where the meeting rooms and large halls are.

[Henry203]

148. if you go dwon the escalators

and turn right that is one entrance. This one is when you turn left and go by the bathrooms to the big circular door by the parking garage. I think he was going to that deli for braekfast. It is where I eat breakfast every time I go to the Hilton. It is the only thing open on the street at that time. I was looking at hotel prices just yesterday as I am n booking for legaltech.

[Drum]

149. Yes, so you said.

It is ordinarily a bustling but safe area.

[milestogo]

33. That's horrible.

[LW1977]

34. But... but.. but... Hunter Biden

How could Joe pardon him and not throw him to the wolves taking over?

[onecaliberal]

35. Tots and pears.

[DBoon]

36. My contribution to the evidence-free speculation here

drug deal gone bad. The CEO stiffed the wrong guy.

[Henry203]

47. I doubt it

I have been going to that Hilton every year since 2006. I was looking up prices yesterday for Legaltech. The side door is the least watched.

[GreenWave]

162. Pro-tip: You don't hear me say I was near Watergate, do you?

Ix-nay on the I was there-ay.

[RobinA]

137. But, Do You Really Think

a CEO buys his own drugs? I would think that would be a fun perk of making barrels of money.

[DENVERPOPS]

173. Just like everyone at Trump's whitehouse

where they set up a pharmacy for all, and extremely poor record keeping of "What" and "Who"...........

[area51]

38. I can't say how I really feel about this crime.

But please feel free to check out my links to Physicians for a National Health Program in my sig line.

[onlyadream]

39. I may be watching too many crime shows, but...

could it have been a hit job? It seems a bit professional.

[John1956PA]

63. I suspect it was a hit by a professional.

That is just my guess, based upon the wearing of the mask and planned getaway.

On the other hand, a professional would know that cameras catch everyone's movements outside the hotel. The killer in this particular case spent an extended length of time milling around in front of the hotel, which is something one would think that a professional hit man would avoid doing.

[Liberal In Texas]

115. The shooter was wearing a hoodie and probably masked.

Hard to identify on surveillance video. They had a bike stashed for the getaway. And there were reports he/she used a silencer. Sounds like something out of a movie.

[onlyadream]

156. I've been watching Person of Interest (all in NYC) and it totally feels like an episode.

Only John and Harold didn't get there in time.

[Orrex]

40. Usually it's the deductible that kills you

[leftstreet]

60. ...

[CincyDem]

105. Sometimes the deductible gets you...sometimes you get the deductible.

[Kali]

152. !

[walkingman]

41. Guns, guns, guns - the insanity continues.

[Henry203]

45. I hve been going to that Hilton every year since 2006.

He was shot at the side door which is where I usually entered. There is a deli right there where everyone gets breakfast. This entrance is the least watched. I was looking up prices yaesterday for Legaltech.

[IronLionZion]

48. Loved one of a patient who died because of denied care?

I'm just speculating here. United Healthcare is among the worst for denying claims. There are a lot of angry loved ones out there for people who might still be alive if they got care.

[Emile]

49. Is this the new justice in the United States?

[markodochartaigh]

131. Damn sight more effective than Garland.

Although, personally, I condone neither murder nor the death penalty.

[patphil]

51. Power play at the top of UnitedHealthCare?

Either that or revenge by someone who had a grudge against the company.

[DemMedic]

54. poor guy!

[TBF]

56. Yes - when I saw the title I assumed intentional - midtown doesn't

normally have this kind of random violence. At least not that I remember - I haven't worked there in a long time. Maybe it has changed a lot since the 1990s?

[Elessar Zappa]

69. I doubt it.

It’s probably safer than it was in the 90’s. NYC murder rate is much, much lower now.

[Attilatheblond]

58. From April of this year

Maybe somebody wanted more payoffs and didn't get them?

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/unitedhealth-cyberattack-change-healthcare-hack-ransomware/]

A cyberattack earlier this year against a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary has proved costly for one of the nation's largest employers.

The health insurance giant on Tuesday noted $872 million in "unfavorable cyberattack effects" in its report of first quarter operations earnings. Those unfavorable effects refer to the February 21 cyberattack on Change Healthcare, which shut down operations at hospitals and pharmacies for more than a week. The $872 million includes "the Change Healthcare business disruption impacts and exclude the cyberattack direct response costs," which likely excludes any amount UnitedHealth may have paid to hackers in ransom.

UnitedHealth confirmed on the day of the breach that the cybercriminals behind the attack was a Russia-based ransomware gang known as ALPHV or BlackCat. The group itself claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging it stole more than six terabytes of data, including "sensitive" medical records.

UnitedHealth did now reveal how much — if at all — it paid the hackers to have their systems restored. However, multiple media sources at the time, including Wired Magazine, reported that a ransom payment for the amount of $22 million was made to BlackCat in the form of bitcoin.

[LisaM]

111. Ugh, I hope that's not it.

The news fixates on stuff like Hunter Biden and barely makes a note of the enormous threat that cyber attacks are posing to the economy, but if they are moving to this level, maybe we need to start paying more attention.

[ancianita]

120. The DOJ hit back at BlackCat last year.

Justice Department Disrupts Prolific ALPHV/Blackcat Ransomware Variant

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-disrupts-prolific-alphvblackcat-ransomware-variant

... The FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer over 500 affected victims the capability to restore their systems. To date, the FBI has worked with dozens of victims in the United States and internationally to implement this solution, saving multiple victims from ransom demands totaling approximately $68 million. As detailed in a search warrant unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida, the FBI has also gained visibility into the Blackcat ransomware group’s computer network as part of the investigation and has seized several websites that the group operated.

“In disrupting the BlackCat ransomware group, the Justice Department has once again hacked the hackers,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “With a decryption tool provided by the FBI to hundreds of ransomware victims worldwide, businesses and schools were able to reopen, and health care and emergency services were able to come back online. We will continue to prioritize disruptions and place victims at the center of our strategy to dismantle the ecosystem fueling cybercrime.”...

According to the unsealed warrant, Blackcat actors have compromised computer networks in the United States and worldwide. The disruptions caused by the ransomware variant have affected U.S. critical infrastructure – including government facilities, emergency services, defense industrial base companies, critical manufacturing, and healthcare and public health facilities – as well as other corporations, government entities, and schools. The loss amount globally is in the hundreds of millions and includes ransom payments, destruction and theft of proprietary data, and costs associated with incident response.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida... “We will continue to focus on holding the people behind the Blackcat ransomware group accountable for their crimes.”

Blackcat uses a ransomware-as-a-service model in which developers are responsible for creating and updating ransomware and for maintaining the illicit internet infrastructure. Affiliates are responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victim institutions with the ransomware. After a victim pays, developers and affiliates share the ransom...

The Justice Department also recognizes the critical cooperation of Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt and Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Göttingen, Denmark’s Special Crime Unit, and Europol. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Cyber Operations International Liaison also provided significant assistance. Additionally, the following foreign law enforcement authorities provided substantial assistance and support: the Australian Federal Police, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, Spain’s Policia Nacional, Switzerland’s Kantonspolizei Thurgau, and Austria’s Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service.

I doubt this kind of work will be done by whatever's left of trump's DOJ, since most of the expertise of our current government will be dismantled.

[Emile]

62. Suspect wore a black mask, white tennis shoes

and got away riding a bicycle.

[Prairie Gates]

93. Day of the Jackal

[drmeow]

67. Thoughts

and prayers

[mn9driver]

68. Instead of falling out a window?

Perhaps this is the beginning of oligarch management, American style.

[Whiskeytide]

139. We likely have more guns ...

… in the US than windows. Makes sense to use our more plentiful resource.

[Beachnutt]

70. Hmmm

Elon going to be extra paranoid now. He will have to up his benzo dose to 10 mg a day.

[otchmoson]

71. Look where insurance premiums will go now!

More of our premiums will now go to "increased protection" for executives rather than to patients and their care! Unintended consequences at work!

[dalton99a]

72. Surveillance photos of shooter:

[James48]

77. What a shame.

Did you know the United Healthcare Group CEO was THE highest paid CEO in America for three years straight?
United Healthcare was the giant in Health Care insurance.


https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-was-2023s-highest-paid-payer-ceo-heres-what-his-peers-earned

[mathematic]

92. He got paid more than his boss, the UnitedHealth Group CEO?

You can't even get your fake fact right. Go ahead and name those 3 years that the UnitedHealth Group CEO was the highest paid CEO in America. I'd like to see who he beat out.

I suppose for clarity, I should emphasize that you're repeating a fake fact in order to induce an indifference towards this man's murder and a general sense of rage towards him. You are an active participant in a propaganda effort.

[Maru Kitteh]

189. You go ahead and show deference. Rend your garment. Your overlords thank you.

I truly hope the warmth of their praise keeps your home through the winter, because they will offer you nothing more.

I suppose for clarity, I should emphasize that I’m not defending disinformation, It’s just that you seem confused about why people fucking despise for-profit healthcare CEOs. Hint, it ain’t some rando minor disputed data point on an obscure web board full of old people and some nerds. We don’t really need any “propoganda” to notice they’re killing us. I now return you to your scheduled mourning.

[Prairie Gates]

94. Interesting height

No taller than 5'7".

Interesting.

Slight build.

Dressed in black, black mask, black hood.

[Joinfortmill]

134. Woman?

[Prairie Gates]

144. Shoulders look a little big for that

Still, not a big person.

Firing stance is very casual.

[gay texan]

78. Boo f-ing hoo

Having recently been denied healthcare from them, life's a bitch Mr. ex-CEO.

FAFO

[Omnipresent]

83. Someone's claim was denied and so they took the matter to the top?

[TNNurse]

86. It was an employee of United Healthcare

who called me after my mastectomy (with lymph node involvement) to enthusiastically tell me "I am the one who approved your surgery". Fortunately (I guess) I was too shocked to say how could YOUR approval be necessary for metastatic cancer surgery? But I was in a weakened state and said nothing. Heartless is the only word that came to mind,

[ZonkerHarris]

103. "Thank you for giving me what I paid you for asshole"

[RobinA]

141. Well, THAT'S

a kick in the pants. Yikes.

[raccoon]

88. Reminds me of a movie, I think Denzel Washington was in it, where he was PO that his kid couldn't get

medical care, something like that?

And "The Street Lawyer" where a homeless guy took a bunch of big shot lawyers hostage.

[Prairie Gates]

95. John Q (2002)

[Horse with no Name]

97. UHC is the worst

But I’m not going to lose too much sleep because this dude has actual blood on his hands.
There was a reason that the Carnegies and Rockefellers were so benevolent and had long driveways.
Gilded Age 2.0 underway!

[LiberalArkie]

99. Most of the time the public has no idea of where a CEO is going to be when unprotected. They will know

he is staying somewhere, they will know he is speaking somewhere, they will know he is in some hospital. But never that he will be outside a location at a certain time.

“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” Witty reportedly said. “As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event.”
The Times reported the gunman apparently knew which door Thompson would enter and shot him several times from close distance. The CNBC added that the suspect, who is described as a white male dressed in black clothing, used a silencer.

[Beck23]

101. Sounds like he had connections to the mob.

[sarisataka]

123. What are you basing that claim on?

[yardwork]

128. I'm curious to hear the answer, too.

[Crowman2009]

102. Wouldn't be surprised if a big pharma CEO is next.

Also, the chickens have come home to roost with regards to the gun loving GOP.

[James48]

106. New plan.

Starting tomorrow, we hold every CEO responsible.

Whoever makes the highest amount compared to the average worker (United health Care CEO pay ratio is 352:1) is noted as the highest paid CEO, and is eaten by the rest of us.

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-ceo-andrew-witty-was-2023s-highest-paid-payer-ceo-heres-what-his-peers-earned

You only have to eat a few before they get the message.

[Takket]

109. Point of order...

I’m not a cannibal. Can we feed them to sharks instead?

[soandso]

186. That's sounds like a threat

Were you or whoever else you refer to as "we", involved in this murder, today?

[Demovictory9]

107. Wow..unusual target

[The Grand Illuminist]

112. War is Hell.

[Takket]

114. Could be someone who's loved one died from lack of coverage

Could be a jilted lover

Could be angry ex employee.

Have to see if they catch the person.

[nowforever]

116. When health is about profit

There is always a price to pay. May it wake up others.

[Basso8vb]

121. UHC coverage is absolutely horrible.

While I am sad for his family and loved ones, he was a member of the parasite class.

How many died because of him?

[onenote]

125. Apparently vigilante justice is now acceptable to many DUers.

Not defending UHC.
But my sense of who progressives are doesn't include cheering vigilante justice.

[sarisataka]

129. I'm glad I am not the only one

noticing a tolerance for assassination as a business tool. (As long as the victim is one of them )

[sarisataka]

172. Welcome to DU

I look forward to reading your opinions while you are here, however long that may be.

[leftstreet]

135. A burst of class consciousness and solidarity is all it is

I don't think it demeans individual DUers

[onenote]

136. That's quite the rationalization for posts applauding shooting someone on the street.

[leftstreet]

138. Well I don't see much "applauding"

But I haven't read all the responses.

I see wit, sarcasm and humor...which is always DU at its best

[LeftInTX]

143. I asked a DU poster if they had their coup gear ready

They responded yes and that we all should. Someone else also chimed in

It was in regards to "how to remove a dictator "

[Davon512]

157. Maybe...

The reaction from some is understandable, especially if you're getting your ass kicked by the Medical Industrial Complex and the obscene profiteering. Most of us are nothing but numbers on a chart to be manipulated for profit.

That said, class consciousness and solidarity has to come with an understanding that it's the system - and not the various players - that presents the overriding problem. The players are interchangeable. One goes, another steps in, with the same result. Greed and corruption are a given, but that's not the foundational problem in the long run. Pretty sure you know that, but it still needs to be said.

[soandso]

188. Condoning murder and making threats

Is purely on the individual making such posts but "solidarity" - really? With murder? I realize people talk shit online but a few might want to think before typing.

[MustLoveBeagles]

140. I find it off-putting

[beaglelover]

145. Many of the comments on this thread are disgusting.

[onenote]

150. So now adhering to progressive values is being a simp?

Aren't you mr. macho tough guy. Actually, i think a case can be made that you are a "simp" -- just a different word that starts with the same four letters.

[dflprincess]

132. I've been in a text group this morning made up of former UHC employees

Our money is on this going back to denied claims.

[biocube]

133. Well, that does it...

We can't have the rich and powerful dying from gun violence! Gun control now!

[RockRaven]

147. Murder is bad, m'kay.

You shouldn't do murder, cause murder is bad.

[Drum]

151. More/Updated, Police via NYTimes:

“Investigators were still searching for the gunman, who fled along the Avenue of the Americas, and was last spotted in Central Park. A surveillance image released by the police showed a person in a black hooded garment and wearing a backpack pointing a weapon, and another showed the person fleeing on what the police said was an electric Citi Bike. Neither image showed the gunman’s face.

The shooting happened on the morning of the company’s annual investor conference in New York City, and Mr. Thompson had arrived early to prepare for the conference, the police said.

The gunman apparently knew which door Mr. Thompson was going to enter, according to two people familiar with the investigation, and shot him several times from a few feet away. Mr. Thompson had recently received several threats, according to one of the people, and the police were investigating the source and exact nature of those threats. The person noted that health care executives can often receive threats because of the nature of their work.

During the news conference, investigators said the suspect’s pistol jammed during the shooting, and the gunman quickly cleared the jam and resumed firing. A cellphone recovered from an alley where the suspect fled from was being analyzed to see if it was linked to the shooting, the police said.”

[Prairie Gates]

154. " the gunman quickly cleared the jam and resumed firing"

Is that right? Well, then.

A cool customer, this.

[Drum]

155. I know...that sticks out, in the wording.

[superpatriotman]

164. I think it was a suppressor used to mute the sound (silencer)

And he was forced to re chamber each round. They looked fairly adept, though.

[DFW]

166. I haven't the slightest idea what the motive was

But I do know that my employer ditched United Health Care because they denied everything. They were worse than John Grisham’s Great Benefit. If it was someone who lost the love of their life because UHC denied some life-saving treatment that could have saved the one who died, I can only say I’m surprised it took this long for something like this to happen.

Now my employer uses Blue Cross of Texas which only denies almost everything.

[Strelnikov_]

167. And that's that

[yaesu]

181. I think this is just the beginning of what will become lawless chaos in fascist USA, the land of the untouchables nt