UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot, Killed, in Midtown Manhattan

UnitedHealthcare‘s CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Midtown, Manhattan. The incident occurred outside a hotel where the company held an investor meeting.

The New York Times reports that Thompson’s shooting appears to be a targeted attack. Thompson, 50, was shot just after 6:45 a.m. at the New York Hilton Midtown. New York City Police Commissioner, Jessica Tisch, said the gunman reportedly waited for Thompson to exit the hotel before shooting him in his back and leg. She called it a “brazen targeted attack.”

Per CNN, Tisch stated, “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.” She added, “I want to be clear: At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.”

The cause of the shooting remains under investigation. It appears Thompson did not seem to know he was being targeted and did not have any security nearby at the time of the shooting. He was transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, released a statement to The New York Times. It read, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

Wife of UnitedHealthcare CEO Claims There Had Been Some ‘Threats’ Against Her Husband

These are images of the individual sought in connection to this investigation. If anyone has information as to the identity or location of this individual please contact @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/sm2GuEOYk1

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 4, 2024

NBC News shared a statement from the late Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson. She claimed there had been some “threats” against her husband.

She told the news outlet, “There had been some threats. Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

The shooter fled on foot after the attack on Thompson. He then was seen on a New York Citi Bike, according to Tisch. The last time the suspect was seen was in Central Park.

As of Wednesday mid-afternoon, no arrest had been made in the case of Thompson’s death. Crime Stoppers was offering a $10,000 reward for information about his murder.

UnitedHealthcare is one of the nation’s largest health insurers and a main division of the conglomerate UnitedHealth Group.