An American man has revealed he received death threats after a viral social media post mistakenly identified him as the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Joey Mannarino, a political commentator, shared his discomfort after his photo with the suspect’s image was circulated on X (formerly Twitter). The text accompanying the photos reads, “Potential accomplice to murderer of United Healthcare CEO has been identified! Do you recognize this person?!”
Quoting it, Mr. Mannarino asked, “How is this allowed? This could kill me,” stressing the possible consequences of such a mixture.
Readers also provided additional context, clarifying that the post was intended to be satire but could easily be misinterpreted. “Wrong claim. The photo on the right is of Joey Mannarinas who is not the suspect.
How is this allowed?
This could get me killed.
– Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) 6 December 2024
In a follow-up tweet, Mr Mannarino shared a screenshot of a threatening message he received, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. He wrote, “Due to this post, I am receiving the below death threats in my inbox from @smoking539675. This is not normal and not something anyone should have to deal with because it puts my family and me at risk. “Somebody needs to be held accountable.”
Because of this post, I am receiving death threats like below @smoking539675 In my inbox.
This is not normal and not something anyone should have to deal with because it puts my family and me at risk.
Someone will have to be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/8Cn1x452qx
– Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) 6 December 2024
He then shared another screenshot which contained threatening messages.
Even more, even more! pic.twitter.com/1N9Mzs1jrU
– Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) 7 December 2024
“That tweet accusing me of being that CEO’s killer has been viewed 13,000,000 times,” Mr. Mannarino said. Going to write my own version of “If I Did It…” like OJ!”
That tweet accusing me of being the murderer of that CEO has been viewed 13,000,000 times so far.
Going to write my own version of “If I Did It…” like OJ!
– Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) 7 December 2024
People have come out in support of Mr. Mannarino on social media platforms.
Some users have described it as “profane” and “dangerous”.
This is corrupt.
– Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) 6 December 2024
He thinks that just because his account is satire, he can do whatever he wants. It tastes bad and could potentially be dangerous for you.
– Chollygirl ???????? (@chollygirl1) 6 December 2024
Some also called the situation “disgusting” and “unacceptable”.
This should not be allowed. this is sick! You don’t even look like that guy.
– Alex Stone (@StoneJAlex) 6 December 2024
Unacceptable at every level..
-Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) 6 December 2024
One person said it was “completely unnecessary”.
The strange thing is that this was not even a satire post. They have actually put your picture here saying that you are a potential match. This is completely unnecessary.
– Pedro Santana Jr. (@Titx1300) 6 December 2024
At the time of writing, the original post was pinned to the account, which describes itself in its bio as “brutal satire, satire, relentless insight.” I fight a fearless war against hypocrisy and lies.
On December 4, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Manhattan in what New York police called a “brazen, targeted attack.” Mr. Thompson was a well-known figure in corporate America. He previously was a party to an insider trading lawsuit The 50-year-old Minnesota native was murdered this year while he was in New York for UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference.