Social media swoons over alleged UnitedHealthcare CEO killer amid investigation

Photos of the suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson go viral, sparking memes and jokes.

Social media users have become captivated by the unmasked photos of the man suspected of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Released by the NYPD on Thursday, these images quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions online.

It says a lot about our society when this United Health Assassin stays in the news cycle longer than an assassination attempt on a president…

— Mr Based (@ExtremeBased) December 5, 2024

Hope the misidentified assassin is fucking running with it rn on the dating apps

— Kaden 🍦🦖 (@trankneesaur) December 5, 2024

Guarantee the Netflix writers room is already working on a 4-part miniseries titled “Deny”….Jake Gyllenhaal get on the phone with your agent… https://t.co/1fpSe7tkqZ

— Kayla Bowers (@kaylabowers90) December 5, 2024

While the seriousness of the crime is undeniable, many users have been more focused on the suspect’s appearance. Some joked that the man resembled Oscar-nominated actors, with one user humorously tweeting, “Plot twist, it’s Timothée Chalamet.” Others commented that the alleged killer could easily win a "Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest," while some pointed out a resemblance to another famous actor, Jake Gyllenhaal.

Furthermore, the shooter is very handsome.

APB for Jake Gyllenhaal. pic.twitter.com/U7lOruxO5t

— Nick Buy My Book Mamatas 🤼‍♂️🏴🧭 (@NMamatas) December 5, 2024

I’m not saying this in the “romanticize the killer” way, but I am simply observing…

That he kinda looks like Jake Gyllenhaal. https://t.co/spT0S5hioE

— 🤎Samantha🤎 (@thesammisofar) December 5, 2024

This would be a wild ending to the Timothee Chalamet look a like contest saga pic.twitter.com/MAGjQHwi18

— NOLITA DIRTBAG (@DirtbagNolita) December 5, 2024

The online reactions, though lighthearted, have drawn some criticism for romanticizing the situation. As memes and jokes flood social media, some users have joked that the police might be framing the “handsome” suspect. One meme suggested that Netflix is already preparing a miniseries about the assassination, with many playfully wondering if Gyllenhaal should take the lead role.

He could’ve won the Timothy Chalamet look-a-like contest😍😍😍

— Wade Goblin (@wadegoblin) December 5, 2024

Plot twist, it's Timothée Chalamet https://t.co/M0DU6KkwfZ

— Tropical N-Word (@K1ngAl3xand3r) December 5, 2024

Oh he's cooked. Beautiful smile though. pic.twitter.com/JzVuPmRmjv

— Ne Regrette Rien (@YaniqueJLambert) December 5, 2024

Oh he's cooked. Beautiful smile though. pic.twitter.com/JzVuPmRmjv

— Ne Regrette Rien (@YaniqueJLambert) December 5, 2024

Though the humor in the online reactions is undeniable, the true weight of the incident remains serious. The killing of a prominent CEO in the healthcare sector has left many stunned, and the internet's focus on the suspect’s looks has raised concerns about how society handles tragic events involving high-profile individuals.

Meanwhile, the NYPD continues to investigate the crime. They are carefully examining evidence from the scene, including a water bottle and a phone, and are following up on numerous tips. While no arrests have been made, the investigation is progressing steadily, and authorities are determined to solve the case.