Cops Search for Vandals Behind Menacing “Wanted” Posters Featuring CEOs
Cops are looking for the vandals who have left menacing “wanted” posters featuring prominent CEOs in the wake of last week’s Midtown assassination of United HealthCare executive Brian Thompson.
Posters Popped Up Around the Borough
The bizarre posters — many of which have been torn down — popped up around the borough, notably in Lower Manhattan, since the Dec. 4 execution of Thompson outside the Hilton hotel on West 54th Street. His killing led to a flood of social media posts that sympathized more with the shooter than with the victim, as many individuals shared their negative experiences with the insurance company and a general hatred for big business in America.
Posters Declare “Healthcare CEOs Should Not Feel Safe”
The wanted posters in Manhattan declare that “healthcare CEOs should not feel safe” following Thompson’s murder, quoting the three words scrawled on shell casings found near Thompson’s body: “Deny, Defend, Depose.” The words have been linked to the vernacular used by health insurance companies seeking to deny claims from the insured for coverage of medical treatment, procedures, and prescriptions.
One Such Poster Features Thomas Halloran, CEO of Fidelis Care
One such poster amNewYork Metro found on Dec. 11 in Lower Manhattan shows an image of Thomas Halloran, identified as the CEO of Fidelis Care, which provides health insurance coverage to 2.5 million people around New York state. On the company website, Fidelis Care notes that it is a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, which offers health care coverage to more than 28.5 million people nationally.
NYPD Launches Investigation
Whether the posters are serious or satirical is irrelevant to the NYPD, which has launched an investigation. Earlier this week, top brass expressed great concern that Thompson’s assassination might lead to other copycat incidents involving corporate executives.
Suspect Luigi Mangione Remains in Custody
The wanted poster amNewYork Metro encountered on Wednesday night included statements that seemed to glorify the actions of Thompson’s alleged assassin, identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione of Maryland. Following an intense manhunt, Mangione was picked up by police at a McDonald’s in Altoona, PA on Dec. 9 — who found in his possession a 3D-printed gun and suppressor that seemed to match the weapon used in the murder.
Grand Jury Convened to Consider Indictment
ABC News reported Thursday that the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has convened a grand jury to consider a potential criminal indictment of Mangione — a move that may hasten the extradition process. However, a DA Alvin Bragg spokesperson could neither confirm nor deny that report with amNewYork Metro.
Conclusion
The investigation into the murder of Brian Thompson and the vandalism of the wanted posters featuring CEOs is ongoing. The NYPD is urging anyone with information to come forward and is working to ensure the safety of corporate executives in the city.
FAQs
Q: What is the motive behind the wanted posters?
A: The motive behind the wanted posters is unclear, but they seem to be a reaction to the negative experiences of some individuals with health insurance companies.
Q: Who is Luigi Mangione?
A: Luigi Mangione is the 26-year-old suspect accused of murdering Brian Thompson outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Q: What is the status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, with the NYPD working to gather evidence and identify the vandals behind the wanted posters. A grand jury has been convened to consider a potential criminal indictment of Mangione.
Q: What is the significance of the words “Deny, Defend, Depose”?
A: The words “Deny, Defend, Depose” are linked to the vernacular used by health insurance companies seeking to deny claims from the insured for coverage of medical treatment, procedures, and prescriptions.
