On December 4th of this year, Brian Thompson, a high-profile executive at United Healthcare, was fatally shot in Manhattan, New York. While the police have not yet determined a clear motive, the incident is believed to be connected to the numerous recent threats made against top executives at the company. Initially dismissed as empty threats, these warnings have escalated concerns over the safety of corporate leaders. In response, the past few weeks have been filled with heightened precautions to prevent further attacks on United Healthcare.

As United Healthcare scrambles to mitigate another potential tragedy, other corporations are also expressing concerns for their own safety. Historically, Corporate America has not been universally beloved, often becoming a target for public frustration. While some individuals express dissatisfaction through boycotts and local shopping initiatives, others resort to more dangerous forms of protest.

Historical Context of Corporate Backlash

History has shown that when the public strongly opposes something within the system, backlash is inevitable, often accompanied by violence. From the Boston Tea Party to the civil rights movement, Americans have long protested against perceived injustices—sometimes through peaceful action, but at other times through more extreme measures.

Corporate Retaliation: Crisis and Response

Corporate America has always faced crises, whether stemming from internal issues or external retaliation. In recent years, these challenges have only intensified, with both employees and the general public voicing discontent.

Boycotting Coca Cola

One notable example of corporate retaliation occurred when Coca-Cola faced widespread boycotts after a controversial image from a diversity training seminar leaked online. The seminar reportedly included language urging employees to “try to be less white.” As expected, the leaked material provoked outrage, leading many Americans to boycott Coca-Cola products. Although some claimed the images were fabricated, the backlash had already damaged the company’s reputation. Along with boycotts, Coca-Cola faced months of threats following the incident.

Amazon Worker Strike

Amazon Worker Strike In another high-profile case, Amazon workers at the first unionized warehouse in New York organized a strike to demand better pay and job security through a legal union contract. This strike highlighted the growing divide between employees and management. Such public disputes draw widespread media attention, inviting commentary and scrutiny from the public. While some support strikes and protests, others resort to threatening company leaders, putting them in dangerous positions. CEOs and managers find themselves under pressure from both internal employees and external agitators.

Business Protection Measures

Mistakes are inevitable for any business. However, in today’s media-saturated world, these mistakes are magnified, leading to significant fallout. It is crucial for corporate leaders to prioritize security, as threats can arise unexpectedly.

High-Profile Security: A Necessary Investment

Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook and CEO of Meta, reportedly spends $23 million annually on personal and home security. While this amount may seem excessive, recent events, such as the death of Brian Thompson, underscore the necessity of such measures. Historically, billion-dollar corporations have hesitated to allocate significant funds for personal security, but this mindset is shifting as the risks become more apparent.

An expert in corporate security interviewed by The New York Post expressed confusion as to why Brian Thompson was not accompanied by personal security, especially considering that healthcare executives face some of the most severe threats in the business world. Their decisions directly impact millions of Americans’ access to and affordability of healthcare, making them frequent targets of public anger.

The same expert noted that the greater the stress a corporation places on employees and stakeholders, the higher the likelihood of receiving threats. While personal security cannot guarantee 100% safety, it significantly reduces the likelihood of attacks and their potential success. Trained security professionals, often with law enforcement or military backgrounds, are equipped to respond to threats and protect high-profile individuals.

The tragic loss of Brian Thompson has prompted many companies to reconsider their approach to executive security. Spending millions on security may seem excessive, but it is a vital investment to protect the lives of executives and their families. For corporations operating in the public eye, security is not a luxury but a necessity.

Fischer Protection Group – Your Trusted Security Partner

At Fischer Protection Group, we understand the increasing threats that corporate executives and high-profile individuals face in today’s volatile environment. Our team of elite security professionals is trained to provide tailored security solutions that prioritize discretion, efficiency, and safety. Whether you require executive protection, corporate security consulting, or crisis response planning, we are here to safeguard your most valuable assets—your people.

Contact Fischer Protection Group today to learn how we can protect you and your business from emerging threats.