Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and killed outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York, on Wednesday morning, Bloomberg reported, citing police sources. Thompson died after he sustained bullet injuries to his chest.
The incident happened around 6:46 a.m. as Thompson arrived for a scheduled investor conference. According to reports, he was targeted in what authorities describe as a “premeditated, preplanned attack.”
Eyewitnesses reported that a masked gunman opened fire on Thompson multiple times before fleeing the scene.
50 years old, Thompson was stuck in the chest and leg and was quickly transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition. Despite efforts to save him, he was announced dead shortly after arrival.
The police have not yet made any arrests and are actively investigating the shooting, which they believe was specifically aimed at Thompson rather than a random act of violence.
The gunman is described as a white male wearing a cream-coloured jacket, a black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers, carrying a grey backpack.
Authorities have indicated that the shooter appeared to have prior knowledge of Thompson’s schedule as he shot him from approximately 20 feet away upon his arrival.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot before reportedly hopping onto a bicycle and riding into Central Park.
United Healthcare Group cancelled its investor day, citing a “very serious medical situation.” Andrew Witty, CEO of United Health Group, expressed deep sadness over the incident during an emergency meeting with investors.
Thompson has been with United Healthcare since 2004 and became CEO in 2021. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States.
His wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed that her husband had been receiving threats before the attack but did not provide further details on those incidents.
As police continue their investigation into this shocking event, they are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for additional evidence.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators are exploring all possible leads to apprehend the assailant responsible for this brazen act of violence.
