The Midtown scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was murdered has been visited by callous tourists, some taking photos and shamelessly trying to justify the cold-blooded murder.
At least nine people, including one from Texas, stopped at the north entrance of the Hilton Hotel on Sixth Avenue on Tuesday in fog and rain. Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and targeted to death last Wednesday.
The motives of the sick onlookers who flocked to the murder scene varied. Some were just curious, others unashamedly gleeful, claiming the killer had done a “good thing.”
Emily Singleton, 34, and Sam Hyland, 20, said they were keen to include the location in their itinerary following the tragic incident.
“We planned this trip about a month ago, but the assassination of the CEO happened a few days before we came, so we felt like we had to visit here,” said the Florida resident. Emily Singleton, 34, told the Post.
“Also, no matter what people say, he did a good thing anyway. He killed for a good reason,” the tourist cruelly explained.
When asked why he supports lawless killings, Singleton said, “For the health care system.”
Hyland agreed with his friend's point and believes the murder was morally justified.
Some other visitors posed for photos for less reprehensible reasons.
Rodrigo, 59, had come to the city from Texas on his way upstate to spend the holidays with friends.
The former New Yorker works in video production and happened to have the murder scene on his list of sights to see on his way to Columbus Circle.
“I mean, it's just kind of on the way. You might want to stop by. It's here. It's just crazy. I took pictures of Christmas trees and new buildings and ornaments and holiday items. '' Rodrigo told the Post.
“I don't have any ill will. That's one of them. Remember John Lennon? Dakota became a big thing,” he elaborated.
Asked what he thought about the killing, which marked a political turning point, Mr Rodrigo was equivocal, insisting he “disdained capitalism”, although some people He said he understood why people fervently supported the killer.
“I just read that all the people who refused to be interviewed are indirectly buried, and that’s more than one person,” Rodrigo told the Post.
“And on the other hand, no one should die because of the job they do. No one should die because they were told by their shareholders or because they were doing what they thought was the right thing to do. I'm sure he didn't expect this to happen,'' Rodrigo said.
The shutterbug said he would post the photo on social media.
Several other people visited the murder scene and took photos, but declined to speak to the Post.
Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested Monday in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and later charged with murder by Manhattan prosecutors for allegedly killing Thompson.
Mangione was arrested while eating at McDonald's and is said to be in possession of a weapon matching the manifesto and description of the weapon used to kill Thompson.
The assassination suspect is being extradited to New York City.
