The CEO of United Healthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, was shot to death in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, police confirmed at a news conference.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot to death outside the Hilton Hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6:45 a.m. after arriving early for the company’s annual investor conference. Ta. Police say a masked man approached and fired repeatedly.
Police said they believe Mr Thompson was the target of the attack. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said it was a “brazen, targeted attack,” adding: “It does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
“Let’s be clear at this point: There is every indication that this was a pre-planned, pre-planned, targeted attack,” she added.
Police found Thompson on the sidewalk in front of the Hilton with gunshot wounds to his back and leg, New York City Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Police said the suspect arrived on foot about five minutes before Thompson arrived. Police said Thompson was seen walking alone toward the Hilton at 6:44 a.m. on surveillance video.
Police said video showed the gunman appearing to ignore other pedestrians. Officials said the man approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the back, then approached the victim and continued shooting.
Authorities said the gun appeared to malfunction and the gunman cleared the traffic, fired again and fled north into an alley between 54th and 55th Streets. The suspect then continued walking westbound on Boulevard of the Americas, where he boarded an electric city bike and headed north toward Central Park.
Police said they recovered three live 9mm bullets and three fired 9mm shell casings. Authorities also recovered a cell phone.
Authorities said the gunman was described as a fair-skinned man wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a distinctive gray backpack.
Police are searching for the shooter and are seeking up to $10,000 for information regarding Thompson’s death, as described in a newly released flyer that includes two surveillance photos. There is. The flyer features a photo of the suspect wearing all black, carrying a gray backpack, and holding a firearm, as well as a photo of the suspect riding a bicycle.
The New York Times also reported that the suspect reportedly knew which door Thompson was trying to enter and shot him several times from just a few feet away before fleeing.
Officials said no arrests have been made and the investigation continues. The motive is unknown at this time.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband had received threats.
“There were some threats,” she said. “Basically I don’t know, is there a lack of reporting? I don’t know the details. All I know is that he said there were people threatening him. That’s all.”
She also said police told her the shooting appeared to be a “premeditated attack.”
“I can’t give a thoughtful response at this time. I just learned this and am trying to comfort the children,” she added.
UnitedHealthcare did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian, but released a statement about the incident shortly after noon ET.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson,” the statement read. are.
“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 appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this difficult time. Please. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and everyone close to him.”
UnitedHealth Group, which owns United Healthcare, was scheduled to hold its annual investor meeting on Wednesday at 8 a.m. local time.
Two buildings associated with the company flew the U.S. flag, the Minnesota state flag and company flags at half-mast. There were police officers outside one building, but the rest of the building was quiet.
A spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred this morning in our area and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy.” said. The New York City Police Department was directed to further questioning.
Amal Abdelmullah, a driver who witnessed the incident, told ABC News that he heard “gunshots.” He said, “It was a silent gun, a black gun.” He said he saw the gunman running across the street and tried to take a photo, but he was too far away.
“I was shocked,” Abdelmullah said. He said he was also afraid of being shot and said he “saw everything.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it did not appear to be a random attack and that police were examining evidence at the scene, including video.
“This was not just a random act of violence,” Adams said. “It appears that this was clearly targeted at an individual, so we will arrest that person.”
Thompson was appointed chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to the company. Prior to this role, he served as chief executive of UnitedHealthcare government programs, including Medicare, retirement, community and state. Prior to leading government programs, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare and Retirement division.
Ms. Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the shootings “horrifying news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and medical communities.”
“The state of Minnesota is sending Brian’s family and UnitedHealthcare team our prayers,” Walz added.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar called the shooting a “horrifying and shocking act of violence,” adding, “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and everyone who works at United Healthcare of Minnesota.” “I’m having a good time,” he added.
Elena Leveise, Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law, told The New York Times that she was still processing the news of Thompson’s death.
“He was a good man. It’s very sad,” Leveise said, adding that Thompson was a good father to his two children. Leveise said he was on his way to be with his family.
