A California man “angry with pharmacies” is accused of murdering a Walgreens employee Monday, days after the Luigi Mangione Act was filed with the state and drew scrutiny for invoking an alleged murderer’s name.
Police say the suspect traveled to a Walgreens an hour from this home, did not know the victim and was apprehended as he was reloading his gun.
At a press conference, Madera police said the alleged murderer had made “some statements about being angry with pharmacies.” ABC 30 reports that victim Erick Velazquez was not a pharmacist, and was a respected husband and father of two children.
Just days before Velazquez’s death, the Luigi Mangione Access to Health Care Act was submitted as a statewide ballot initiative. Under the proposed measure, it would be more difficult for insurers to modify a physician-prescribed treatment plan, as only doctors would be able to deny, delay or modify medical procedures or medications.
The California Association of Health Plans, an industry association whose members cover tens of millions of Californians, told CBS 8 the measure’s proposed name was “repugnant.” Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
“The lawyer behind this measure is trying to use a murder and act of terrorism to market his political agenda,” said CAHP. “It is a repugnant action by anyone, but especially someone sworn to uphold the Constitution and law.”
Walgreens issued a statement of support for Velazquez’s family, and a GoFundMe has been set up to support his wife and children amid their sudden loss.
