Additional Security Measures Taken for J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference

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In the wake of the murder of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson outside of a New York City investor meeting in early December, authorities are taking steps to increase security measures at the upcoming J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, MSN reports that the San Francisco Police Department has canceled all time off requests for its officers during the conference, which is considered to be the largest annual gathering of healthcare executives and investors globally. According to the report, authorities in San Francisco are implementing extensive safety measures in an effort to halt any potential copycat attacks, however, no credible threats have been identified.

“The San Francisco Police Department is working closely with the event organizer, and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all attendees,” the department said in the MSN report. “The SFPD will be fully staffed, and all time off has been canceled to ensure that sufficient officers are on hand throughout the conference.”

The conference, as well as the killing, come during a time in which attention has increased regarding public resentment over rising healthcare costs and stagnant life expectancy in the United States and the role of health insurers in these trends.¹ According to Endpoints News, the event, often a focal point for industry protests, could see heightened demonstrations this year. Companies such as Gilead have previously been targeted by activists over drug pricing, while ongoing Bay Area hotel worker strikes could possibly draw attention to labor issues, according to the report. A union group representing the workers stated that the conference should be canceled in light of the strike.²

“With 20% of the hotel rooms in San Francisco on strike, J.P. Morgan cannot host a successful conference in San Francisco this year without its attendees crossing union picket lines,” the union group wrote in a statement.²

Many pharma giants, including Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson, are set to present at the conference.1 However, the conference agenda can only be viewed by those invited to attend the event.³

References

1. San Francisco Police Cancel Time Off as Healthcare Execs Descend. MSN. January 9, 2025. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/san-francisco-police-cancel-time-off-as-healthcare-execs-descend/ar-BB1r7mZB?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

2. Insurance executive killing puts spotlight on security measures at JP Morgan meeting. Endpoints. December 6, 2024. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://endpts.com/insurance-executive-killing-puts-spotlight-on-security-measures-at-jp-morgan-meeting/

3. 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. JP Morgan. Accessed January 10, 2025. https://www.jpmorgan.com/about-us/events-conferences/health-care-conference