UnitedHealthcare CEO’s fatal shooting sparks outrage and debate over Insurance practices

The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York has ignited a nationwide discussion about the practices of the health insurance industry, particularly after details about the ammunition used in the attack were revealed.

Law enforcement officials disclosed that the bullets used by the masked gunman bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” echoing a phrase often associated with insurance company tactics to avoid paying claims. The phrase, commonly phrased as “delay, deny, defend,” has been widely used by critics to describe insurers’ strategies in handling claims, from health to auto and property insurance.

Thompson, who led one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S., was gunned down outside a midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. The message left on the ammunition has fueled outrage on social media, highlighting the frustrations many Americans feel toward the healthcare system and insurers.

The phrase “delay, deny, defend” was popularized as a critique of how insurance companies handle claims. It highlights delays in claim payments, denials, and justifications of these actions through extensive legal defenses.

“The longer they can delay and deny the claim, the longer they can hold onto their money,” said Lea Keller, a personal-injury attorney.

UnitedHealthcare, which serves over 49 million Americans, has faced growing criticism for prior authorization requirements and denied claims. A recent U.S. Senate investigation highlighted an increase in Medicare Advantage claim denials by UnitedHealthcare and its competitors, sparking bipartisan calls for reform.

Thompson’s death has unleashed a wave of anger online, with many venting their frustrations about healthcare access and insurers.

“I’d help find the shooter, but my vision plan isn’t covered,” one Instagram user quipped. Others sarcastically offered “thoughts and prior authorizations” in reference to delays caused by the insurance process.

Polls consistently show that Americans blame health insurance companies for the rising costs and complexity of healthcare. A February survey by KFF found that two-thirds of respondents held insurers largely accountable for high healthcare costs.

In response to Thompson’s death, UnitedHealthcare lowered flags to half-staff at its headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The company has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the investigation.

Meanwhile, investigators are still hunting for the suspect, described as a masked gunman in what police believe was a targeted attack. Authorities have yet to confirm any direct link between the messages on the bullets and the broader criticism of the insurance industry.

As the investigation unfolds, the shooting has brought renewed scrutiny to the practices of health insurers, reigniting calls for systemic reforms to address public dissatisfaction with healthcare access and costs.