AOC says denied insurance claims are 'acts of violence' after UnitedHealthcare CEO killed

Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stirred up controversy on Thursday when she told reporters that people who are astonished by the lack of sympathy for murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson are out of touch with people's unhappiness with the American healthcare system. The New York congresswoman made the remarks while speaking to CBS News' Jaala Brown outside the US Capitol.

"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 people interpret and feel and experience denied claims as an act of violence against them," AOC said. "Healthcare in this country has gotten to such a depraved state that people are living with things they should never have to live with. And this is not to say and this is not to participate in that glorification, but we need to understand that extreme levels of inequality in the United States yield high degrees of social instability."

The congresswoman's comments come as many people, mostly on the left side of the political spectrum, have seemingly celebrated the cold-blooded execution of Thompson, 50, in New York City. The suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, has received support in the wake of his alleged killing of the CEO, which sparked look-a-like competitions to celebrate the killer. Flyers and signs have also been posted around cities across America, including New York City and Seattle, indicating that more health insurance execs are "next."

A Florida mother was apprehended on this week in what has been reported as a "copycat" crime. She allegedly making threats during a phone call to BlueCross BlueShield in response to the denial of a recent medical insurance claim.

AOC's remarks sparked backlash on X. One user slammed her rhetoric, saying, "Violence is never the answer, full stop. Rationalizing such actions only deepens division and detracts from real solutions. The focus should be on reforming the system, not excusing tragedy. Leadership should aim to heal, not fan the flames of desperation."