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Brian Thompson, the chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in what police describe as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” on the morning of December 4.
The shooting occurred outside the Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan, where Thompson, 50, was attending UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference.
According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the attack happened at approximately 6:46 a.m. as Thompson approached the hotel. The suspect, described as a light-skinned male wearing a cream-colored jacket, gray backpack, black-and-white sneakers, and a black face mask, had been waiting near the hotel for at least five minutes before Thompson arrived.
Surveillance footage showed the suspect following Thompson before firing several rounds, striking him in the back, chest, and leg.
Hotel surveillance revealed the suspect was skilled with firearms, as he quickly cleared a gun jam during the attack. Three live rounds and three shell casings were recovered at the scene. After the shooting, the assailant fled east on an electric bike and was last seen near Central Park.
Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Authorities are treating the incident as a targeted attack, though the motive remains unclear. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch labeled the shooting “brazen” and emphasized it was not a random act of violence.
Investigators are pursuing leads, including a cellphone found near the scene and the GPS data from the e-bike used in the escape. The NYPD has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated, “The victim appears to have been specifically targeted, but at this point, we do not know why.” Thompson’s wife, Paulette, mentioned he had recently received threats, possibly related to insurance disputes, though she did not elaborate.
The attack has shocked business and healthcare communities. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty ended the investor conference early, citing a “very serious medical situation.” The company later released a statement expressing deep sadness over Thompson’s death, calling him “a highly respected colleague and friend.”
Political leaders in Minnesota, where UnitedHealthcare is headquartered, expressed their condolences. Governor Tim Walz called the killing “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community.” Senator Amy Klobuchar described the act as “horrifying and shocking,” offering support to Thompson’s family and colleagues.
Thompson joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004 and became its CEO in April 2021. Under his leadership, the company solidified its position as the largest health insurer in the United States, serving over 51 million people worldwide.
UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, employs over 250,000 people and generated $372 billion in revenue in 2023.
Thompson’s wealth, estimated at $42.9 million, included significant holdings in UnitedHealth Group shares. He was scheduled to speak at the conference on the morning of his death.
The incident has raised alarms about safety in major cities, particularly among business executives traveling for work. New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured residents that the attack was isolated and that law enforcement is working diligently to apprehend the suspect.
“This was not a random act of violence. It was clearly targeted, and we will bring the individual responsible to justice,” Adams said.
As the investigation continues, Thompson’s death marks a significant and tragic loss, leaving questions about the motive behind the targeted attack.