According to a recent YSL News/Suffolk University poll, approximately two-thirds of Americans believe the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 was unacceptable, and they feel the alleged murderer should face maximum legal repercussions.

The remainder of respondents also disapproved of the killing but expressed empathy for the suspected shooter’s frustration with the U.S. healthcare system.

These results highlight ongoing dissatisfaction with a healthcare system that, despite spending more than any other worldwide, produces the lowest life expectancy among major affluent nations.

This poll coincides with UnitedHealth Group’s scheduled release of its fourth-quarter and year-end financial results on Thursday morning, representing the first public comments from the insurance firm’s executives since Thompson’s death.

The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters, conducted via landline and mobile phones from January 7 to 11, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

‘I can relate to the frustration’

Amanda Millsap, 41, a restaurant owner from North Carolina, has faced her own challenges with health insurers and medical expenses.

“I don’t condone killing anyone,” remarked Millsap, who is registered as an independent. “But it’s the insurance people who profit.”

In 2013, her newborn son suffered a lung injury during delivery, necessitating over a week in a neonatal intensive care unit, while Millsap herself was only hospitalized for a few days.

Despite having a health insurance policy that she thoroughly reviewed, Millsap was caught off guard when she learned that her infant would incur the same $2,000 deductible due to extended hospital stay, bringing their total out-of-pocket expense to $4,000—twice what it would have been with a smooth delivery.

At the time, positionally scrutinizing their finances, Millsap planned to stay home with their second child while her husband operated their restaurant.

She expressed shock over the murder of the UnitedHealthcare executive, stating, “It’s tragic because he had a family and children. Yet as an American, I can see why someone might feel enraged. It’s overwhelming when financial burdens hit during vulnerable times, such as maternity leave.”

Senior Care Worker Speaks on Insurance Refusals

Joe Gil, 39, working in senior care and education in Tampa, Florida, frequently witnesses how healthcare inequalities impact the elderly, especially those with limited financial resources or inadequate retirement savings.

He has seen numerous cases of denied medical care along with difficulties in securing transportation for necessary appointments.

“I understand why many feel compelled to blame healthcare companies for these issues,” Gil commented.

Mitchell James, a 31-year-old high school history teacher from Rutherford County, Tennessee, enjoys comprehensive health insurance and has had no claims rejected.

However, a family member of his recently faced refusal for a doctor-recommended knee surgery.

James noted that other countries with government-run healthcare systems like the United Kingdom offer better value for healthcare expenditures compared to the U.S.

“We’re paying more in premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses than we would in taxes in other countries,” he remarked. “Insurance intermediaries seem to thrive solely on the American healthcare system.”

Surveys indicate that discontent with healthcare expenses goes beyond just insurance providers.

A Gallup and West Health survey released Wednesday found that 46% of respondents feel the country is heading in the wrong direction regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s healthcare cost reduction strategies, with another 45% voicing similar concerns over medication pricing.

Reported by Ken Alltucker; follow him on X at @kalltucker.