A McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, got into a controversy when Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was arrested there. The 26-year-old Ivy League grad was caught after an employee told the police. Law enforcement praised the staff, but there was online anger. Bad reviews called the employees “snitches” and asked for a boycott. Yelp and Google stopped comments due to “unusual activity.”
Mangione’s manifesto against the healthcare system led to debates on vigilante justice and reform. Governor Josh Shapiro condemned his actions. Altoona residents had mixed feelings. The incident shows how digital platforms affect public view and the difficulties businesses have in handling crises.