If you’re a social media user who’s expressed anything other than condemnation for the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, counterterrorism authorities might consider you an “extremist.
Read Ken's reporting: https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/post-luigi-the-extremist-threat-is
Days after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, the NYPD issued an intelligence report scrutinizing not only alleged killer Luigi Mangione but also ordinary individuals expressing sympathy for him online. The report warned of "a wide range of extremists" who "may view Mangione as a martyr," particularly highlighting "disdain for corporate greed."
Produced by the NYPD’s Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau on December 9, the document was distributed to law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies nationwide. Selected major media outlets also received the report but withheld public access, choosing instead to quote selectively from it. These quotes emphasized Mangione's actions but often downplayed the report’s broader focus on his sympathizers. Critics argue that such selective disclosure distorts the public's understanding, leaving out critical details while allowing the media to control the narrative.
Below is the document itself, allowing you to form your own opinion:
NYPD Intelligence Report Summary
Title: Writings of Alleged Perpetrator of UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Reveal Grievances Against Health Insurance Company, Disdain for Corporate Greed
The report examines Mangione’s handwritten note and social media presence, concluding that his actions were likely fueled by grievances against what he viewed as a "parasitic" health insurance industry, corporate greed, and societal corruption. The NYPD described the attack as a symbolic act targeting what Mangione perceived as systemic abuse.
Mangione’s writings compared his motives to those of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, reflecting a similar belief in unilateral action to address corporate exploitation. In his note, Mangione stated, “Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming,” referencing health insurance executives. He criticized the U.S. healthcare system as the most expensive globally while ranking low in life expectancy, accusing corporations of prioritizing profits over public welfare. Declaring himself the "first to face it with such brutal honesty," Mangione framed his act as a moral reckoning against unchecked corporate power.
The report also highlighted initial online reactions to the shooting, noting celebrations of the CEO's death and calls for further targeting of corporate leaders. This fueled concerns about the potential for Mangione to inspire extremist followers.
Broader Analysis
Security experts have questioned the NYPD's implications that social media posts could signal the start of a violent movement against corporate executives. Dragonfly, a private security intelligence firm, assessed that similar attacks are unlikely. Their report stated:
"We strongly doubt that further similar attacks are imminent. While left- and right-wing groups have praised the murder, most anti-corporate activists remain committed to nonviolent protests, such as staging demonstrations or verbally confronting executives."
Dragonfly concluded that violent incidents targeting business leaders are expected to remain exceedingly rare, despite heightened corporate concerns about potential copycat actions.
This perspective contrasts with the NYPD's warning, suggesting that while Mangione’s case is deeply concerning, it does not indicate a broader trend of escalating violence against corporate executives.
