The assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024 triggered an immediate and polarized wave of internet discourse. Beyond the news reports, the event became a lightning rod for criticism of the American health insurance system, particularly due to the 'Delay', 'Deny', and 'Defend' messages reportedly inscribed on the shell casings found at the scene. Memes following the incident often juxtapose the shooter—characterized by some online users as a symbol of patient desperation—against the corporate backdrop of UnitedHealth Group. This meme template is typically used to critique corporate greed, the complexities of medical coverage, and the broader societal frustration regarding the ethics of the private healthcare industry in the United States.