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Luigi Mangione arrest faces mixed public response
As police in New York City work to extradite Luigi Mangione to face charges following the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, reactions online to him being turned in by a McDonald's worker are mixed.
MINNETONKA, Minn. (FOX 9) - Public reaction to the arrest of the accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer has been mixed, with many sympathizing with the suspect.
Much of the online discourse vents frustration at the United States health care system.
READ MORE: Luigi Mangione: United Healthcare CEO's accused killer, online comments
The suspect, Luigi Mangione, was arrested after being spotted at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania.
READ MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO killing: Luigi Mangione charged with murder
Public protest
A man was holding a sign in front of UnitedHealthcare on Tuesday that said "Pray for the souls lost to UHC's Greed".
He made it clear he does not condone murder or violence.
The man, who said his name was Rich, from St. Louis Park, explained that he came with "A message of love and acceptance"
"I know there has been a lot of controversy and hatred online for the UnitedHealthcare CEO's passing," said Rich "I just wanted to spread a message of love and pray for all those who have been affected and hurt by UnitedHealthcare."
"I myself have been impacted," said Rich, explaining he has up to $15,000 of medical debt because of UnitedHealthcare denying claims, including an ambulance ride in 2021.
READ MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect shouts as he appears in court: video
Professor post
Mankato State University sent a message to its staff and students in response to a comment made under another post through a professor's personal account.
Responding to a post that asked, "How long do we really need to look for Brian Thompson’s killer? Is today good enough? Or do they need to look tomorrow also?", Mankato State University Political Science Director Kevin Parsneau commented: "It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer."
That comment sparked calls for the professor to resign and for the school to take action.
Minnesota State Mankato President Edward Inch released a statement in response, saying, "As U.S. citizens and part of a public institution of higher education, we respect the rights and privileges afforded by the constitution, including the first amendment rights protecting the freedom of speech. However, we live in an era where inflammatory online comments can spark adverse reactions against us personally or as an institution. While the president is the university’s official spokesperson, in the public's eyes, we all represent our university. It is a responsibility we should all take seriously."
Lawmaker response
U.S. House Representative Dean Phillips (D-Minnesota) spoke directly to online vitriol, saying in a post, "United Health is based in my district and employs 1000s of my constituents. Like other insurers, they play by rules allowing the industry to net >$100 billion/year while patients go bankrupt from medical debt. The real culprit is Congress and money in politics, and it’s time for change."
Rep. Phillips also condemned those in his own party who praised the killing, saying, "Seems like leftists opposed to killing terrorists in the Middle East support killing CEOs in Midtown Manhattan. Sick."
Security presence
Police from multiple agencies can be seen at UnitedHealthcare campus in Minnetonka, with a fence forming a security perimeter along with armored vehicles.
A police spokesperson told FOX 9 on Tuesday that there was no threat or incident that prompted their presence, but an event inside that they were supporting.
READ MORE: UnitedHealthcare headquarters partially surrounded by fencing as hunt for CEO killer continues