The tragic shooting incident involving UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has emerged as one of the most significant news stories of the week. Consequently, it was no surprise when the iconic sketch comedy show, “Saturday Night Live,” took the opportunity to address this grave situation right at the start of their ‘Weekend Update’ segment. The show is known for its sharp humor and timely commentary on current events, making it an ideal platform for discussing such a serious and impactful story.

In this segment, veteran ‘Weekend Update’ co-anchor Colin Jost took center stage to share his thoughts on the shooting incident. At the beginning of the sketch, he humorously criticized New York City officials for their handling of the ongoing manhunt for the suspect. Jost’s biting satire highlighted the bizarre and, at times, troubling public fascination with the appearance of the suspected shooter, drawing attention to the nation’s puzzling responses in light of such a serious issue.

As Jost humorously pointed out, social media reactions to the release of photos of the alleged murderer have starkly divided public opinion. On one hand, people expressed their frustration with the healthcare system, stating, “Yeah, well healthcare stinks.” On the other hand, there were those who shockingly remarked, “Girl, that shooter is hot.” This duality in reactions underscores a troubling trend where serious issues are often overshadowed by superficial commentary.

Scarlett Johansson’s husband appeared to find Jost’s quip particularly amusing, barely suppressing a grin as he delivered the joke. It’s clear that he has been keeping up with the plethora of thirst tweets circulating on X, a platform where users have expressed their attraction to the alleged shooter, further complicating the public response to this tragic event. Such reactions raise questions about societal values and the way people engage with news in the digital age.

Jost continued his satirical commentary, remarking on the absurdity of the shooting occurring just three blocks away in broad daylight, while the suspect managed to escape on a bicycle. He humorously pointed out that this might be due to the local police being occupied with security for the city’s Christmas tree. This remark not only added a layer of humor but also emphasized the stark contrasts between public safety concerns and holiday festivities in the city.

The search for the shooter continues to escalate five days after Thompson’s tragic death, evolving into a nationwide manhunt. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch previously announced that the suspect is believed to have evaded capture by fleeing New York City through a Port Authority bus terminal. This development has heightened the urgency and severity of the situation, as authorities are now working across state lines to locate the individual responsible for this heinous crime.

However, as Jost humorously noted at one point, “A Port Authority passenger who looks like a murderer truly widens the search.” This quip underscores the absurdity of the situation, as it highlights the fact that the ongoing manhunt has now taken on a surreal quality, blending elements of comedy with a serious public safety issue.