Months before the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the suspected killer, Luigi Mangione, engaged in a two-hour conversation with writer Gurwinder Bhogal, revealing his discontent with the American healthcare system. Bhogal recounted this interaction during a Tuesday interview on CNN with Erin Burnett.
The timing of this May conversation is significant, as it occurred shortly before Mangione reportedly disappeared in July. He was later apprehended in Pennsylvania in connection with Thompson's shooting death outside a Manhattan hotel.
During the CNN interview, Bhogal shared that while he couldn't have foreseen Mangione's violent actions, the suspect had expressed dissatisfaction with the high cost of healthcare in the United States. Mangione reportedly praised the UK's National Health Service (NHS) as a model, prompting a discussion about its benefits and drawbacks, including waiting lists. Bhogal, a proponent of universal healthcare, acknowledged the complexities of the UK system while agreeing with Mangione that it offered advantages over the US model.
Beyond healthcare, Mangione also voiced concerns about the impact of online pornography and video games, suggesting they hindered real-world achievement and contributed to social isolation. He reportedly expressed anxieties about the influence of social media and sought Bhogal's advice on regaining personal agency.
Thompson's death has sparked controversial reactions, with some on the political left expressing approval and even celebrating Mangione's actions. This has fueled further debate and condemnation, particularly regarding comments made by former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz, who initially expressed "joy" at the news before later clarifying her stance.
