NY - UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in Midtown. #11 *Arrest*

[Jw192]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

Why did he lie about his identity?

Why did he have the exact same fake ID on him that was used at the hostel?

Why are his fingerprints on multiple items at the scene?

Why did he have a gun and silencer in his backpack that matched the video and ballistic evidence respectively?

Why did he have a notebook on him that not only confessed to the murder, but explained his reasoning and how he did it?

How did he look so much like the guy that NYPD was looking for, that a woman was able to recognize him?

What about the DNA that will certainly match?

What about his mother apparently indicating this is something she could see him doing?

Etc. etc. etc.

I can't work out how to add two quotey things sorry ha

Yah I agree that Mrs A before becoming his lawyer said the evidence seemed beefy and mentioned her 'specialty' defense, however that was before she was a party to more information like the information she will have now. I'm sure she hasn't got full discovery yet as they were discussing it in court, but she will have a bucket load more knowledge on this case now than she did when she was a professional outsider.

In the comment above, I'm not nitpicking as I agree with some, but some bits that seem hmm to me...
"Why are his fingerprints on multiple items at the scene?" - From all material available to us, the items weren't AT THE SCENE of the crime, they were in the vicinity. Defense will be all over that. Maybe he's not denying being in the city in the area, and yah maybe he had a snack... Where's the crime?
"Why did he have a notebook on him that not only confessed to the murder, but explained his reasoning and how he did it?" - I think this is some good evidence for the prosecution buttttt in that 'letter to feds' which is being put out there as a "terrorist manifesto" nowhere is it a confession of the murder of BT. It isn't an admittance of murder and doesn't name BT or even elude to what the crime was. Again, it gives the defense a bone to grab. The notebooks, we have only seen teeny snippets so far, so we can't really speculate on how it will go just yet.
"Why did he have a gun and silencer in his backpack that matched the video and ballistic evidence respectively?" - Mint evidence for the prosecution that he had a weapon on him, though if I recall, during the manhunt it was stated numerous different types of gun from LE that they thought it was, which will give defense a rope... Also, it's America and without getting into it, guns aren't exactly rare -_- (it terrifies me that you can make a gun from a 3d printer btw!)
"How did he look so much like the guy that NYPD was looking for, that a woman was able to recognize him?" - I think it's him, but bozonkies of other people don't. I don't really need to get into eye witness palooza on here as you all know... I think it was more the mask and bushwhacker brows if I'm honest ha

I don't recall it being said that they have DNA or fingerprints on the casings at the scene that match LM? Have I missed that? As for what LM's mama reportedly said, I tend to take things like that with a pinch of salt even in the most general of cases, nevermind one to this magnitude of bizarreness. We don't know in what context it was said or even if it was at all.

There's so much we don't know and tbh probably never will, though I do hope we learn a lot more. Again, I do believe LM committed this crime of (NY standard) murder 2 & firearm crimes and I believe that he intended to be caught, as always though it's the prosecutions burden and the defenses job, and I don't think the prosecution (both state and federal) are going to have an easy time with this case at all.

 

[MassGuy]

I can't work out how to add two quotey things sorry ha

Yah I agree that Mrs A before becoming his lawyer said the evidence seemed beefy and mentioned her 'specialty' defense, however that was before she was a party to more information like the information she will have now. I'm sure she hasn't got full discovery yet as they were discussing it in court, but she will have a bucket load more knowledge on this case now than she did when she was a professional outsider.

In the comment above, I'm not nitpicking as I agree with some, but some bits that seem hmm to me...
"Why are his fingerprints on multiple items at the scene?" - From all material available to us, the items weren't AT THE SCENE of the crime, they were in the vicinity. Defense will be all over that. Maybe he's not denying being in the city in the area, and yah maybe he had a snack... Where's the crime?
"Why did he have a notebook on him that not only confessed to the murder, but explained his reasoning and how he did it?" - I think this is some good evidence for the prosecution buttttt in that 'letter to feds' which is being put out there as a "terrorist manifesto" nowhere is it an a confession of the murder of BT. It isn't an admittance of murder and doesn't name BT or even elude to what the crime was. Again, it gives the defense a bone to grab. The notebooks, we have only seen teeny snippets so far, so we can't really speculate on how it will go just yet.
"Why did he have a gun and silencer in his backpack that matched the video and ballistic evidence respectively?" - Mint evidence for the prosecution that he had a weapon on him, though if I recall, during the manhunt it was stated numerous different types of gun from LE that they thought it was, which will give defense a rope... Also, it's America and without getting into it, guns aren't exactly rare -_- (it terrifies me that you can make a gun from a 3d printer btw!)
"How did he look so much like the guy that NYPD was looking for, that a woman was able to recognize him?" - I think it's him, but bozonkies of other people don't. I don't really need to get into eye witness palooza on here as you all know... I think it was more the mask and bushwhacker brows if I'm honest ha

I don't recall it being said that they have DNA or fingerprints on the casings at the scene that match LM? Have I missed that? As for what LM's mama reportedly said, I tend to take things like that with a pinch of salt even in the most general of cases, nevermind one to this magnitude of bizarreness. We don't know in what context it was said or even if it was at all.

There's so much we don't know and tbh probably never will, though I do hope we learn a lot more. Again, I do believe LM committed this crime of (NY standard) murder 2 & firearm crimes and I believe that he intended to be caught, as always though it's the prosecutions burden and the defenses job, and I don't think the prosecution (both state and federal) are going to have an easy time with this case at all.

They saw the items he bought, saw on camera where he put them, and then recovered those items. Any evidence she wasn't privy to when she made those comments is only going to get exponentially stronger, I'd bet the farm on that.

Law enforcement never stated the gun he was believed to have used. Anonymous sources close to the investigation made those claims to the media. All that matters is the weapon on him matched the rounds found at the scene. The video is by far the least important piece of evidence there.

He talked about whacking the CEO of health insurance company at his investor conference. If I recall, the name of the company was redacted, but that's a confession regardless.

I mean, the CEO of a health insurance company was "whacked" at his conference.

He also talked about it coming together back in October, which shows the planning needed to further the Federal charges. That's a much easier first degree murder conviction, and the real one he should be concerned about.

No need to prove terrorism, just that he traveled interstate and stalked his victim. That notebook buries him.

 

[Jw192]

They saw the items he bought, saw on camera where he put them, and then recovered those items. Any evidence she wasn't privy to when she made those comments is only going to get exponentially stronger, I'd bet the farm on that.

Law enforcement never stated the gun he was believed to have used. Anonymous sources close to the investigation made those claims to the media. All that matters is the weapon on him matched the rounds found at the scene. The video is by far the least important piece of evidence there.

He talked about whacking the CEO of health insurance company at his investor conference. If I recall, the name of the company was redacted, but that's a confession regardless.

I mean, the CEO of a health insurance company was "whacked" at his conference.

He also talked about it coming together back in October, which shows the planning needed to further the Federal charges. That's a much easier first degree murder conviction, and the real one he should be concerned about.

No need to prove terrorism, just that he traveled interstate and stalked his victim. That notebook buries him.

Yah but the items weren't at the scene of the crime and like I said in another comment, they want to hope that they have that hooded figure leaving the hostel, buying the items, disposing of the items, going to the hotel and committing the crime all on camera WITHOUT breaking line of sight, as we all know that it doesn't take a lot to sow reasonable doubt, nevermind in a case where the alleged shooter is the modern day susej patron saint of eat the rich and the shooter didn't show their face on very grainy camera during the act.
We will learn more on the ballistics as it goes along, though maybe someone can educate me on where NY stand with firearm science as I recall reading something not too long ago stating how NY have a pretty old fashioned outlook and are quick to label some things as junk science -_- So can't imagine the complexity of the firearm in question being made on a shop bought printer!

I don't disagree that the notebook is the best piece of evidence and that's just going off the little snips we know from it. Honestly that's why I think he planned to be caught, he practically gift wrapped his bag for them full of goodies.

I think we will have to respectfully agree to disagree on the charges though, mass. Whilst I agree with you that this crime is somewhat different in how it's all being splattered, I believe the charges dished out in this case are a kick in the teeth to the justice that every other person who has been shot in cold blood on the streets of NY had on their behalves. It just doesn't sit well with me at all personally.

*Had to edit this for spelling, it's Christmas eve and I've had a rum ha

 

[Betty P]

Yah but the items weren't at the scene of the crime and like I said in another comment, they want to hope that they have that hooded figure leaving the hostel, buying the items, disposing of the items, going to the hotel and committing the crime all on camera WITHOUT breaking line of sight, as we all know that it doesn't take a lot to sow reasonable doubt, nevermind in a case where the alleged shooter is the modern day susej patron saint of eat the rich and the shooter didn't show their face on very grainy camera during the act.
We will learn more on the ballistics as it goes along, though maybe someone can educate me on where NY stand with firearm science as I recall reading something not too long ago stating how NY have a pretty old fashioned outlook and are quick to label some thinks as junk science -_- So can't imagine the complexity of the firearm in question being made on a shop bought printer!

I don't disagree that the notebook is the best piece of evidence and that's just going off the little snips we know from it. Honestly that's why I think he planned to be caught, he practically gift wrapped his bag for them full of goodies.

I think we will have to respectfully agree to disagree on the charges though, mass. Whilst I agree with you that this crime is somewhat different in how it's all being splattered, I believe the charges dished out in this case are a kick in the teeth to the justice that every other person who has been shot in cold blood on the streets of NY had on their behalves. It just doesn't sit well with me at all personally.

FBI is available to help if NY needs it. Note how the state asked the FBI for help in building the case to arrest LISK Rex Heuermann.

 

[MassGuy]

Yah but the items weren't at the scene of the crime and like I said in another comment, they want to hope that they have that hooded figure leaving the hostel, buying the items, disposing of the items, going to the hotel and committing the crime all on camera WITHOUT breaking line of sight, as we all know that it doesn't take a lot to sow reasonable doubt, nevermind in a case where the alleged shooter is the modern day susej patron saint of eat the rich and the shooter didn't show their face on very grainy camera during the act.
We will learn more on the ballistics as it goes along, though maybe someone can educate me on where NY stand with firearm science as I recall reading something not too long ago stating how NY have a pretty old fashioned outlook and are quick to label some thinks as junk science -_- So can't imagine the complexity of the firearm in question being made on a shop bought printer!

I don't disagree that the notebook is the best piece of evidence and that's just going off the little snips we know from it. Honestly that's why I think he planned to be caught, he practically gift wrapped his bag for them full of goodies.

I think we will have to respectfully agree to disagree on the charges though, mass. Whilst I agree with you that this crime is somewhat different in how it's all being splattered, I believe the charges dished out in this case are a kick in the teeth to the justice that every other person who has been shot in cold blood on the streets of NY had on their behalves. It just doesn't sit well with me at all personally.

So you don’t think there’s a difference between your standard homicide and a targeted assasination designed to send a message and generate fear?

Let’s just put the NY charges aside then.

Do you agree that he stalked his victim and crossed state lines to commit the murder?

Because one can dispute the state terrorism charge under the law, but the federal charges seem more than appropriate here.

We’re talking about something completely unprecedented, something that captured the public’s imagination like few cases over the past several decades.

That’s because it just does not happen, and this is completely different from your standard murder case.

We treat certain crimes differently, even though they involve the loss of life.

Hate crime murders. Terrorism killings. Assassinations.

That’s because the implications are not the same.

 

[Jw192]

So you don’t think there’s a difference between your standard homicide and a targeted assasination designed to send a message and generate fear?

Let’s just put the NY charges aside then.

Do you agree that he stalked his victim and crossed state lines to commit the murder?

Because one can dispute the state terrorism charge under the law, but the federal charges seem more than appropriate here.

We’re talking about something completely unprecedented, something that captured the public’s imagination like few cases over the past several decades.

That’s because it just does not happen, and this is completely different from your standard murder case.

We treat certain crimes differently, even though they involve the loss of life.

Hate crime murders. Terrorism killings. Assassinations.

That’s because the implications are not the same.

Going off your penal codes and laws that define it, no, I do not think this meets the charge of terrorism that America itself put into stone. Aren't a large percentage of standard homicides targeted? How were the civilian population in this case intimidated, coerced or fearful as a result of the act any more than when any of the other dozens of people were shot in the streets of NY this year were? I'd argue less so in this case. UHC doesn't fall under government as they're a private company. They don't even fall under the umbrella of essential infrastructure either as they're an insurance company.

In terms of the fed charges, yah I can see why you are logically rallying for those over state as the terrorism spew is a reachy overkill that they won't get, and I think everyone agrees that NY's weird murder guidelines are mental, but my point and opinion is that why does this one deserve federal murder 1 just because it doesn't meet NY's standards, when there are so many other horrific NY crimes that don't get the fed treatment (even when in actual reality, the feds could find an in)? I get that in the world of law and justice, things aren't always dealt with similarly, but here it's like a big kick in the hoop to so many victims of serious crime and to me it's elitist, especially as it's blatantly obvious just how hard they're trying to prove points here with all of the circus show and the gazillion charges thrown at the wall y'know?

I stick to my guns and they are murder 2 & firearm charges is justice in my eyes... That's if they can even find a jury now after the catwalk show!

 

[Furore]

Going off your penal codes and laws that define it, no, I do not think this meets the charge of terrorism that America itself put into stone. Aren't a large percentage of standard homicides targeted? How were the civilian population in this case intimidated, coerced or fearful as a result of the act any more than when any of the other dozens of people were shot in the streets of NY this year were? I'd argue less so in this case. UHC doesn't fall under government as they're a private company. They don't even fall under the umbrella of essential infrastructure either as they're an insurance company.

In terms of the fed charges, yah I can see why you are logically rallying for those over state as the terrorism spew is a reachy overkill that they won't get, and I think everyone agrees that NY's weird murder guidelines are mental, but my point and opinion is that why does this one deserve federal murder 1 just because it doesn't meet NY's standards, when there are so many other horrific NY crimes that don't get the fed treatment (even when in actual reality, the feds could find an in)? I get that in the world of law and justice, things aren't always death with similarly, but here it's like a big kick in the hoop to do many victims of serious crime and to me it's elitist, especially as it's blatantly obvious just how hard they're trying to prove points here with all of the circus show and the gazillion charges thrown at the wall y'know?

I stick to my guns and they are murder 2 & firearm charges is justice in my eyes... That's if they can even find a jury now after the catwalk show!

I tend to agree with you, I think the response has been elitist. Were this a homeless person there would absolutely not be the fuss. MOO

 

[Sundog]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>
It seems that some members of the public are conflating the issues and not able to separate them. Brian Thompson is innocent in relation to what happened to him at the hands of LM. LM conflated the issues and many in the public are following suit, which is a sad reflection on our society. Fortunately, the legal system will not conflate the issues and law and order will prevail.

Brian Thompson is the victim here.

 

[Baby baby Jane]

IMO
Explaining that murder he planned & committed was “defending” unknown others from harm. That he was cutting head off if the snake to “save” people from harm - is not going to help him. IMO

Individuals who have murdered “abortion” doctors have all been convicted of murder despite “defending pre-born from harm”. There seems to be more “direct harm” in abortion Dr situation - jury still convicted.

See George Tiller murder.

 

[10ofRods]

I can't work out how to add two quotey things sorry ha

Yah I agree that Mrs A before becoming his lawyer said the evidence seemed beefy and mentioned her 'specialty' defense, however that was before she was a party to more information like the information she will have now. I'm sure she hasn't got full discovery yet as they were discussing it in court, but she will have a bucket load more knowledge on this case now than she did when she was a professional outsider.

In the comment above, I'm not nitpicking as I agree with some, but some bits that seem hmm to me...
"Why are his fingerprints on multiple items at the scene?" - From all material available to us, the items weren't AT THE SCENE of the crime, they were in the vicinity. Defense will be all over that. Maybe he's not denying being in the city in the area, and yah maybe he had a snack... Where's the crime?
"Why did he have a notebook on him that not only confessed to the murder, but explained his reasoning and how he did it?" - I think this is some good evidence for the prosecution buttttt in that 'letter to feds' which is being put out there as a "terrorist manifesto" nowhere is it a confession of the murder of BT. It isn't an admittance of murder and doesn't name BT or even elude to what the crime was. Again, it gives the defense a bone to grab. The notebooks, we have only seen teeny snippets so far, so we can't really speculate on how it will go just yet.
"Why did he have a gun and silencer in his backpack that matched the video and ballistic evidence respectively?" - Mint evidence for the prosecution that he had a weapon on him, though if I recall, during the manhunt it was stated numerous different types of gun from LE that they thought it was, which will give defense a rope... Also, it's America and without getting into it, guns aren't exactly rare -_- (it terrifies me that you can make a gun from a 3d printer btw!)
"How did he look so much like the guy that NYPD was looking for, that a woman was able to recognize him?" - I think it's him, but bozonkies of other people don't. I don't really need to get into eye witness palooza on here as you all know... I think it was more the mask and bushwhacker brows if I'm honest ha

I don't recall it being said that they have DNA or fingerprints on the casings at the scene that match LM? Have I missed that? As for what LM's mama reportedly said, I tend to take things like that with a pinch of salt even in the most general of cases, nevermind one to this magnitude of bizarreness. We don't know in what context it was said or even if it was at all.

There's so much we don't know and tbh probably never will, though I do hope we learn a lot more. Again, I do believe LM committed this crime of (NY standard) murder 2 & firearm crimes and I believe that he intended to be caught, as always though it's the prosecutions burden and the defenses job, and I don't think the prosecution (both state and federal) are going to have an easy time with this case at all.

There's no better evidence than video or photo. He can be seen on video discarding the items later recovered. His DNA is on those items.

I don't think the defense is going to try and use the classification of the weapon from the video as a defense point. It's obviously the same gun. It was thought to be a ghost gun from the beginning - each of them has its own characteristics and all are "rip-offs" of real guns - this one is simply an attempt at making some other, more well known gun. The entire story will only lead the jurors to realize that this High Tech Assassin thought he could have an illegal weapon on the streets of NY and then use it to murder someone.

I think the defense will stay away from that. To have experts talk about his notebooks AND his self-made gun, well, he's gonna look as guilty as he looks to most people, right now. Better to go elsewhere with the defense.

IMO.

 

[Furore]

IMO
Explaining that murder he planned & committed was “defending” unknown others from harm. That he was cutting head off if the snake to “save” people from harm - is not going to help him. IMO

Individuals who have murdered “abortion” doctors have all been convicted of murder despite “defending pre-born from harm”. There seems to be more “direct harm” in abortion Dr situation - jury still convicted.

See George Tiller murder.

I believe LM will be convicted of murder but I am less sure of terrorism. MOO and apologies if this differs to others but abortion is more complicated - abortion is also healthcare for pregnant people in a variety of situations, and a non viable fetus has different legal status to a fully realised and independent person in many parts of the world.

MOO, appreciate this can differ.

 

[MassGuy]

Going off your penal codes and laws that define it, no, I do not think this meets the charge of terrorism that America itself put into stone. Aren't a large percentage of standard homicides targeted? How were the civilian population in this case intimidated, coerced or fearful as a result of the act any more than when any of the other dozens of people were shot in the streets of NY this year were? I'd argue less so in this case. UHC doesn't fall under government as they're a private company. They don't even fall under the umbrella of essential infrastructure either as they're an insurance company.

In terms of the fed charges, yah I can see why you are logically rallying for those over state as the terrorism spew is a reachy overkill that they won't get, and I think everyone agrees that NY's weird murder guidelines are mental, but my point and opinion is that why does this one deserve federal murder 1 just because it doesn't meet NY's standards, when there are so many other horrific NY crimes that don't get the fed treatment (even when in actual reality, the feds could find an in)? I get that in the world of law and justice, things aren't always dealt with similarly, but here it's like a big kick in the hoop to so many victims of serious crime and to me it's elitist, especially as it's blatantly obvious just how hard they're trying to prove points here with all of the circus show and the gazillion charges thrown at the wall y'know?

I stick to my guns and they are murder 2 & firearm charges is justice in my eyes... That's if they can even find a jury now after the catwalk show!

America didn't put this into stone, it's New York State law. Whether it'll be successful is up for debate, but it's there.

Three days after the murder I concluded on here that this was a terrorist act. I did not think it could be prosecuted as such, but the motive was clearly designed to intimidate the health insurance industry. He made that absolutely clear with the words on the bullets, and the Monopoly money.

Just as important as that though, was the fact that this was intentionally committed in the middle of New York City, for all the world to see. It was not about killing one man, not even close. It was designed to be a spectacle, and to accomplish a goal.

Why wouldn't anyone want an unprecedented crime punished to the maximum extent of the law? My guess, is that many people are making a value judgement based on who the victim is. I'll also bet the "due process" crowd would have a very different take if the victim was pretty much anyone else.

That's not how it works.

 

[10ofRods]

So you don’t think there’s a difference between your standard homicide and a targeted assasination designed to send a message and generate fear?

Let’s just put the NY charges aside then.

Do you agree that he stalked his victim and crossed state lines to commit the murder?

Because one can dispute the state terrorism charge under the law, but the federal charges seem more than appropriate here.

We’re talking about something completely unprecedented, something that captured the public’s imagination like few cases over the past several decades.

That’s because it just does not happen, and this is completely different from your standard murder case.

We treat certain crimes differently, even though they involve the loss of life.

Hate crime murders. Terrorism killings. Assassinations.

That’s because the implications are not the same.

I'm following along with you carefully. I have an intense interest in primitive rebellion over the past 500 years or so.

This is not a standard murder case. It was indeed a planned and crafted political action.

The term "primitive" comes from the fact that there is no real organization or mechanism for LM to further his cause; he has sacrificed his life and freedom and it resonates politically with the people (basically, the "peasants") who feel ignored, suppressed and oppressed. Like Robin Hood. It is primitive because by itself, the act does not create real change, it only gets people riled up. And it is primitive because LM absolutely was in over his head and doesn't seem to know whether he wanted to be caught or not. Maybe we'll learn he wanted to be caught.

In some nations, this type of actor is commonly supported and trained within a larger, more stable organization (generally called mafias; mafias are often depicted as only about money, but in Italy, mafias are also a form of parallel (primitive) law enforcement and truth be told, the mafia has immense impact on the State. I don't think anyone believes that the Italian government is stronger than all the mafias put together - especially right now. The State survives by pitting the mafias against each other - but in fact, every revolutionary movement in Italy (and there have been many) has been promulgated by members of these large, very-well organized nearly state-like mafias.

The lone assassin, loosely associated with a political cause, is a much less effective way of trying to bring about change.

However, at least since Brutus helped stab Julius (again, not exactly a lone actor), attempting social change through interpersonal violence is a thing. The two princes in the Tower. The deaths of various crown princes "in the forest/hunting accident." Archdukes and so forth.

Guy Fawkes comes to mind. Boy, how the system of justice has changed since then!

IMO.

 

[Furore]

Does anyone have much of a legal feel for why he has pled not guilty to what many of us see as a barn door obviation of murder? Is it because all the evidence is not clear/so many different charges or is he going to to something odd like claim all evidence was planted? It’s interesting to have state and federal charges as I’m from UK where no direct equivalence. What would trump what if found guilty in one trial and not another?

 

[MassGuy]

Does anyone have much of a legal feel for why he has pled not guilty to what many of us see as a barn door obviation of murder? Is it because all the evidence is not clear/so many different charges or is he going to to something odd like claim all evidence was planted? It’s interesting to have state and federal charges as I’m from UK where no direct equivalence. What would trump what if found guilty in one trial and not another?

His not guilty plea is totally standard at this stage. One the defense gets the evidence, and things get moving, there will likely be talks between the defense and prosecution regarding any potential deal. Who knows if they'll work anything out. If it does go to trial, I think we'll see some sort of mental health based defense because the evidence is so strong.

Neither one would trump the other per se. The state goes first, and the Feds will get their shot regardless. If he's only convicted in one of those jurisdictions (highly unlikely), he'd serve his sentence in that one. If he's found guilty in both he'd probably serve his state sentence first, before serving his federal sentence (if necessary).

 

[Furore]

His not guilty plea is totally standard at this stage. One the defense gets the evidence, and things get moving, there will likely be talks between the defense and prosecution regarding any potential deal. Who knows if they'll work anything out. If it does go to trial, I think we'll see some sort of mental health based defense because the evidence is so strong.

Neither one would trump the other per se. The state goes first, and the Feds will get their shot regardless. If he's only convicted in one of those jurisdictions (highly unlikely), he'd serve his sentence in that one. If he's found guilty in both he'd probably serve his state sentence first, before serving his federal sentence (if necessary).

Thank you so much

 

[Furore]

I found this FBI document with more information and detail breaking down types of domestic terrorism and terminology. Although I was not initially swayed by the 1) civilian intimidation 2) influencing government standards, looking further at the anti authority violent extremism definitions this includes life threatening acts designed to counter perceived economic or social models which would be applicable/arguable ! IMO

https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fbi-dhs-domestic-terrorism-definitions-terminology-methodology.pdf

 

[Charlot123]

I just want to say, now that he's been arrested and we're seeing more images of him, I don't understand why he apparently is widely considered "hot."

Maybe in a couple of the pictures, but in most, he looks pretty ordinary to me.

I know this is trivial in the scheme of things but I just had to get that out.

Well, it is all relative. Judging by Carole Lombard, Clark Gable was not hot IRL, but on the screen, he was amazing. So with LM, if we met him IRL, probably, average/good-looking

But it was:
mystification
First, the shooter
Then the bullets
Then the adjustor
Then the figutive from the police
Then they showed him from a vantage angle, smiling (and then the collective community gasped, ooh!)
Then he was arrested in McDonald's - boldly making a statement
Then he is walked down the streets of NYC surrounded by the whole brigade of cops
Hollywood, in essence.

Not the real person.

 

[Warwick7]

Also here in Europe, the general sentiment among the public is that the health insurance companies had it coming. To me, murder is murder. The perp didn't have a personal grievance, nor was he forced to kill. There are better ways to deal with the problem. IMO he (at least partly) did it for the notoriety. Now he thinks he can get away with it with the help of (misguided IMO) public sympathy.

BBM
In my community I've heard similar sentiment. Whether I'm in the gas station or volunteering at the food bank, it's all the same...people are upset and feel the health ins. companies had it coming.

 

[GRT]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>
It seems that some members of the public are conflating the issues and not able to separate them. Brian Thompson is innocent in relation to what happened to him at the hands of LM. LM conflated the issues and many in the public are following suit, which is a sad reflection on our society. Fortunately, the legal system will not conflate the issues and law and order will prevail.

Brian Thompson is the victim here.

Conflating issues is a natural human tendency, especially when situations are emotionally charged, but as you say, the legal system will not conflate Luigi's murder case.

People usually interpret events in ways that confirm their preexisting beliefs. That's confirmation bias. They also interpret events through their personal moral frameworks and social networks.

And that's all okay. Luigi joins a long list of killers who are seen through various moral lenses. Brian Thompson joins a long list of victims who are also seen as predators.

I agree with you that differing opinions will not affect the outcome of Luigi's trial. And I'm not bothered by the moral thoughts on either side because this is one of the most intriguing cases we've seen in a long time, and I'm fascinated by the sociopolitical effects it's having.

This is one for the books!