CNN Floats Sympathy for Man Who Allegedly Gunned Down Health CEO [WATCH]

A CNN segment previewing an upcoming special on political extremism has drawn criticism after reporter Donie O’Sullivan appeared to justify the support of individuals rallying behind a murder suspect, describing their anger as a “rightful rage.”

O’Sullivan’s remarks came during a conversation with anchor Kaitlan Collins on CNN, following his coverage of a rally held in February outside a Manhattan courthouse in support of Luigi Mangione.

Mangione is the accused shooter in the 2023 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was gunned down outside a Manhattan hotel. Mangione currently awaits trial on murder charges.

Elon Musk Called This Financial News ‘Terrifying’

In footage aired during the segment, O’Sullivan interviewed a woman named Nadine, one of several supporters who gathered outside the courthouse.

According to O’Sullivan, Nadine is a familiar face at anti-Trump protests, including rallies opposing President Donald Trump and the events of January 6.

“We’ve met before,” O’Sullivan told her. “I’ve seen you at protests in Washington, D.C. against Trump, against January 6th, all that sort of stuff.”

When asked whether she and others supported the alleged violence committed by Mangione, Nadine responded by invoking historical references, saying, “America was founded on violence. America was founded… Make America Great again to when they came and massacred the indigenous people, millions and millions of indigenous people?”

FREE Concealed Carry Gun Laws & Reciprocity Map

Pressed again on whether she was endorsing violence in this case, Nadine referenced right-wing groups and said she would reassess her position only when others condemned them.

“I don’t hate them condemning the proud boys who he said stand by, whatever they start. Once they start condemning them then I will reassess. But until then, no, I’m not reassessing.”

Back in studio, O’Sullivan shifted focus to broader narratives around extremism in the U.S., claiming the majority of politically motivated violence originates from the right, citing incidents such as Charlottesville and January 6.

“And it is important to point out off the top here that, you know, we’re most of the time, we’re speaking about right wing extremism in this country. And that is because that is by by a massive margin where the extremist attacks have come from,” he stated, without offering specific data to support the assertion.

The claim echoes talking points commonly sourced from left-leaning organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center, which critics argue selectively classify politically motivated violence.

As the conversation returned to Mangione, O’Sullivan noted the large number of letters and expressions of support the suspect has received during court appearances.

“None of these people want to rush to judgment. I mean, a lot of them are frankly don’t think he’s guilty,” he said.

He went on to make a controversial observation, appearing to rationalize the support: “These are people who actually really do care and have been affected by the healthcare system in this country. And we all know how very broken that system is for millions of Americans. So I think what we’re seeing manifesting outside of court is people who have actually been really hurt and who have earned a desperate situation and have a rage, a sort of rightful rage,” O’Sullivan said.

He added, “This for them is justice. I mean, it’s a concerning thing when you see any people cheering on violence, but that’s their reason.”

CNN has not released an official statement on the segment or the comments made by O’Sullivan.

The network’s upcoming special on political extremism is expected to include more coverage on the Mangione case and his supporters.

Luigi Mangione remains in custody as his case moves through the New York court system.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

American Made Patriotic Apparel – Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.