Private security firms have seen a surge in demand following the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. However, experts believe that this high-profile case may not necessarily lead to long-term changes in how companies protect their executives.
Since Thompson’s untimely death on the streets of NYC, numerous private security firms have been inundated with inquiries for their services. Ian Dahlberg, owner of Dahlcore Security Guard Services, noted a noticeable increase in calls from executives seeking private security as well as film studios looking to enhance their on-site security.
Describing the spike in demand as a “knee-jerk reaction,” Dahlberg compared it to similar instances during the pandemic and protests over police use of deadly force. International Security Services has also experienced a rise in calls following the CEO’s murder.
Michael Kozhar, vice president of operations at ISS, pointed out that while potential clients are reaching out, some existing corporate clients have not made any changes in response to the incident, as authorities have categorized it as a targeted attack.
Kozhar emphasized that private security services come at a cost and speculated that corporate offices may opt to increase their in-house security rather than outsourcing. He suggested that decisions regarding security measures are often made over extended periods and may be subject to change.
Despite the heightened demand for private security services, experts like Kozhar do not foresee a significant shift in the executive security landscape in the long term due to Thompson’s murder. It is believed that the incident may prompt temporary reactions rather than lasting changes.
It was previously reported that Thompson had no security personnel with him at the time of the attack, a fact that shocked his former bodyguard. This lack of security presence has raised concerns and prompted discussions about the importance of executive protection in today’s unpredictable world.
