Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., said Thursday that many Americans view denied insurance claims as an “act of violence,” comments that come in the wake of the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thompson was fatally shot on a New York City street last week, and the case has since drawn national attention to frustrations with the U.S. healthcare system. This week, authorities named Luigi Mangione, a former Ivy League student from Maryland, as the prime suspect in the shooting.
Speaking with CBS News producer Jaala Brown on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Ocasio-Cortez said the public’s response to Thompson’s death reveals the widespread anger and despair over healthcare in the United States.
“This collective American experience, which is so twisted to have in the wealthiest nation in the world, all of that pain that people have experienced is being concentrated on this event,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
She emphasized that while violence is not a solution, it is crucial to understand the emotions driving public frustration.
“This is not to say that an act of violence is justified,” she added, “but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them.”
AOC to @BrownJaala on the murder of Brian Thompson
“This is not to say that an act of violence is justified, but I think for anyone who is confused or shocked or appalled, they need to understand that ppl interpret and feel & experience denied claims as an act of violence…” pic.twitter.com/52aIINUDlH
— Alan He (@alanhe) December 12, 2024
The congresswoman noted the devastating financial toll healthcare policies can have on individuals, citing cases where people have lost their homes due to surprise medical bills or unmanageable debt. She also reflected on her personal experience, sharing that she lacked healthcare coverage before being elected to Congress.
The healthcare industry, particularly insurance companies, has long been criticized for denying claims or approving inadequate coverage, leaving many Americans to bear high out-of-pocket costs. The killing of Thompson has sparked renewed calls for reform and greater scrutiny of corporate practices.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have condemned the violence, with some Republicans accusing Ocasio-Cortez of excusing it. However, the congresswoman reiterated that her remarks were meant to explain, not condone, the public’s frustration.
The investigation into Thompson’s death continues, with authorities examining Mangione’s motives and any potential connections to the healthcare industry.
Meanwhile, advocates and lawmakers alike are grappling with the broader questions this tragedy has raised about systemic inequities and public sentiment toward healthcare in the U.S.
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