CEO Says He’s Giving Employees a $1.5 Million Bonus So He Doesn’t Get Shot in the Street by a Luigi-Like Killer

In a recent interview with Fortune magazine, Jerry Murrell, the CEO and founder of the fast-food chain Five Guys, revealed that he decided to give his employees a $1.5 million bonus. The decision came after an anniversary promotion led to chaotic scenes at the company's locations across the country. Murrell's explanation for the bonus was unusual, as he mentioned his fear of being shot in the back by a vigilante, likening the threat to Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024.

Murrell admitted that the company had no idea the promotion would generate such a massive response. "I didn't want anybody shooting me in the back or anything after the first day, because we really screwed it up," he said. The CEO emphasized his genuine concern for his employees, who had worked tirelessly and been overwhelmed by the unexpected influx of customers.

The bonus was a way for Murrell to apologize to both his workforce and the public for the logistical nightmare caused by the promotion. He joked that he had intended to buy his wife a new fur coat but instead spent the money on the bonus. "She still looks at me like I'm stupid. But I thought it was worth it. They worked so hard. They were so overwhelmed," he added.

The reference to Luigi Mangione highlights the changed perspective of business leaders following the high-profile killing. Mangione's actions have become a meme and an iconic symbol, often invoked when a member of the business elite dismisses the concerns of the general public. Since Thompson's murder, the threat of vigilante justice has made some CEOs reconsider their decisions, especially those related to worker treatment and corporate responsibility.

Murrell's decision to give the bonus may be seen as an attempt to appease his employees and prevent any potential backlash. However, it remains to be seen whether this gesture will be enough to alleviate his fears. According to Fortune, Murrell wrote 1,500 checks amounting to the $1.5 million bonus, demonstrating his commitment to making amends for the chaos caused by the anniversary promotion.

This incident underscores the growing awareness among business leaders of the potential consequences of their actions. As public sentiment shifts and the threat of vigilante justice looms, companies are being held more accountable for their decisions, particularly those affecting their employees. The case of Jerry Murrell and the $1.5 million bonus serves as a reminder that the actions of CEOs can have far-reaching effects, both on their workforce and their personal safety.