Google has stepped in to clean up a messy situation online after McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, became the target of angry internet trolls. It all started when Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson, was arrested while eating at the fast-food chain.
Mangione, 26, was caught after a customer at McDonald’s recognized him and tipped off an employee, leading to his arrest by state police. But instead of being celebrated for playing a part in capturing a fugitive, the Altoona McDonald’s faced a flood of bad reviews online. This phenomenon, called “review bombing,” happens when people post fake reviews to trash a business for reasons that have nothing to do with the service it actually provides.
One such fake review claimed, “This location has rats in the kitchen that will make you sick and your insurance isn’t going to cover it.” Clearly, it was a dig at both McDonald’s and the healthcare industry, as frustrations over insurance policies boiled over following the tragic events involving Thompson.
Google wasn’t having any of it. The company, citing its policy against fake or misleading reviews, quickly removed the comments. A spokesperson explained that reviews must reflect genuine experiences, not orchestrated attempts to manipulate a business’s reputation.
Here’s the backstory: Brian Thompson, a 50-year-old healthcare executive, was shot and killed early last Wednesday outside a Manhattan hotel. Surveillance footage showed a masked man waiting for Thompson before shooting him from behind and fleeing. The killer ditched the scene on a bike, rode into Central Park, and later took a taxi to a bus station in northern Manhattan. From there, police believe he boarded a bus to escape the city.
The shocking crime sparked widespread outrage, particularly from Americans frustrated with rising healthcare costs, unexpected medical bills, and insurance claim denials—issues tied to Thompson’s industry. Authorities described the attack as targeted, suggesting the gunman deliberately sought out Thompson.
After a five-day manhunt, Mangione was finally arrested at the Altoona McDonald’s. While his capture brought relief, the bizarre aftermath—targeting McDonald’s with fake reviews—was a reminder of how emotions can spill over in unexpected ways.
As police continue investigating the murder, Google’s swift action to remove the reviews ensured that the focus stays on justice for Thompson, not unfair attacks on an innocent restaurant.
