Luigi Mangione’s alleged killing of a CEO struck fear into the hearts of the kleptocratic US elite. But for real change to occur, the ruling class must be made to fear the power of an organised working class. Mangione’s action against a murderous system was an expression of the rage felt by millions—a rage that lacks any legal or political recourse.

Each year, 45,000 Americans die due to preventable ailments caused by denied insurance claims, a “white collar” crime exemplified by the criminal actions of UnitedHealthcare. This crime, which disproportionately affects working people, goes unpunished. Yet, the ruling class seldom shows restraint against “blue-collar” crime. The United States deployed every force and asset to arrest one man who killed a CEO. They did nothing for the thousands killed on the CEO’s watch.

Luigi Mangione’s actions must be understood within the context of a system that tolerates “white collar” crimes, such as the corporate denial of healthcare. His alleged crime—the killing of a CEO—was treated with extraordinary urgency, not because it was a murder, but because the victim was a powerful representative of the ruling class. In contrast, the deaths of tens of thousands of ordinary people, attributable to corporate practices, are dismissed as an unfortunate consequence of business. There is currently no meaningful political means in the United States to oppose such a system.

Only under socialism, when the working class is the ruling class, will the system hold the powerful accountable for their crimes against the working class.

The Workers’ Party notes we must protect our healthcare systems (HSE and NHS) from privatisation, lest thousands in Ireland die like our American counterparts.

There can be no doubt that the class struggle will flare up with increasing vigour. The working class must organise for this struggle.

Only through collective struggle can we achieve a society where human life is prioritised over profit.