Public opinion polls conducted by reputable polling organizations

Emerson Poll: 41% of Young Voters Find UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's Killing Acceptable, 40% Unacceptable

Dec 17, 2024, 08:22 PM

A recent Emerson College poll has revealed a significant divide among young voters aged 18-29 regarding the acceptability of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The poll found that 41% of this demographic consider the killing acceptable, slightly more than the 40% who view it as unacceptable. This sentiment contrasts with the overall response, where 68% of all respondents found the actions of the killer unacceptable. The killing of Thompson, who was shot in the back in New York City, has sparked widespread discussion, particularly after the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione on December 9 in Altoona, Pa., following a tip from a McDonald's employee. Mangione faces charges related to the murder and is scheduled to appear in court in Pennsylvania for gun charges, with another proceeding set for December 30 for extradition to New York. The poll, conducted December 11-13 among 1,000 registered voters with a margin of error of 3 percentage points, also highlighted varying levels of acceptance across political lines, with 22% of Democrats finding the killing acceptable, compared to 16% of independents and 12% of Republicans. Within the 18-29 age group, 24% found the killing 'somewhat acceptable,' while 17% deemed it 'completely acceptable.'