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The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024, has gripped New York City and the nation. Shot in Midtown Manhattan while en route to an investor's conference, Thompson's death has sparked outrage, speculation, and, surprisingly, humor from Saturday Night Live (SNL). While police continue their meticulous manhunt, SNL's controversial commentary on the incident has divided public opinion.
Thompson, 50, was ambushed early Wednesday morning near the New York Hilton Midtown. A masked gunman, later described as a white male about 6'1" tall, fired multiple shots before fleeing on an electric bike.
Despite sustaining critical injuries, Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. Ammunition found at the scene bore the phrases "delay," "deny," and "depose," echoing criticisms of UnitedHealthcare's insurance practices.
The suspect's escape was startlingly audacious. Surveillance footage tracked his movements from the scene to Central Park, and later, a bus terminal where he seemingly fled the city.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the investigation as methodical, emphasizing the difficulty of solving such cases quickly. "This isn't Blue Bloods," Kenny remarked. "We're painstakingly going through every bit of evidence."
While the city mourned, SNL's "Weekend Update" segment drew harsh criticism for its treatment of the tragedy. Host Colin Jost joked about the police response, saying, "If you shoot somebody in the middle of the street, you better get on your bike, hop on a bus, and get the heck out of here, mister." He also highlighted two public reactions: dissatisfaction with healthcare and an unsettling fascination with the suspect's appearance.
Jost's co-host, Michael Che, added to the controversy, mocking the suspect's interaction with a hostel worker named "Lucky S. Bechalive." Social media backlash was swift, with many accusing SNL of being insensitive. One viewer called the jokes "disgusting," noting, "A family is grieving right now." However, others defended the satire, arguing it reflected societal desensitization to violence and healthcare inequities.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams assured the public that the investigation is progressing. "We revealed his face. We're going to reveal who he is and bring him to justice," Adams said.
As of Saturday, police had released images of the unmasked suspect, who was seen smiling at a hostel shortly before the shooting.
