From the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson to attacks on tech executives, anti-elite violence is rising. This investigative art
š„ Violence Against CEOs: Is Anti-Elite Anger Rising in America?
The December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shocked the nation. But the public reaction shocked many even more: thousands celebrated his death online.
It wasn't an isolated incident. It's part of a troubling pattern š
Recent attacks linked to anti-elite anger:
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian ThompsonĀ ā Fatally shot outside a NYC hotel. Suspect reportedly angry over corporate greed in healthcare. Some lionized him as a "vigilante hero."
OpenAI CEO Sam AltmanĀ ā Molotov cocktail thrown into his home (April 2026).
Kimberly-Clark warehouseĀ ā Arson outside LA. Attacker reportedly compared himself to Mangione.
Charlie Kirk assassination mockeryĀ ā Protester re-enacted the killing of the conservative activist at a TPUSA event.
Why is this anger rising?
1ļøā£Ā Healthcare system frustrationĀ ā Thompson's killing tapped into deep-seated anger at health insurers seen as predatory.
2ļøā£Ā Economic inequalityĀ ā Housing costs, institutional landlords, and the gap between capital and labor are fueling resentment.
3ļøā£Ā Fear of AIĀ ā Only 18% of 14-29 year olds feel hopeful about AI. 70% say it's advancing too fast.
4ļøā£Ā Declining trustĀ ā Perceptions of corruption, surveillance capitalism, and credentialism are eroding faith in institutions.
The Elite Trust Gap:Ā While 7% of average voters would want their side to cheat to win,Ā 69% of "Politically Active Elites"Ā would rather cheat than accept voters' judgment. This elitism fuels resentment.
Political consequences:Ā Economic populism is rising on both left and right. The 2026 midterms could see candidates channeling anger at corporate greed and wealth inequality gain ground.
Corporate response:Ā Personal cyberattacks on executives are rising. CEOs are now "high-value targets" for ideologically motivated actors.
Full analysis + what this means for democracyĀ in the link in bio š
Do you think anti-elite anger is justified ā or is violence never the answer?Ā šš„
