Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday morning in what law enforcement officials describe as a targeted attack in Midtown Manhattan. The gunman remains at large, prompting an ongoing investigation by the NYPD.
Details of the Incident
Thompson, 50, was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel to attend UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference when the attack occurred. According to investigators, the gunman—masked and dressed for the freezing weather—waited for approximately 10 minutes near the conference venue before firing multiple shots from about 20 feet away.
Thompson was struck in the chest and transported to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle, using an alleyway as an escape route. Police believe the gunman may have entered Central Park. Law enforcement officials are canvassing the area and reviewing surveillance footage but have yet to make any arrests.
Statements and Reactions
The New York Hilton Midtown expressed condolences, noting that Thompson was not a registered guest at the hotel. UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, abruptly canceled the investor conference, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”
UnitedHealthcare has not yet commented on the incident.
About Brian Thompson
Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is a division of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fifth on the Fortune 500 list.
Ongoing Investigation
Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, though the motive remains unclear. A briefing by the NYPD is expected later today as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the high-profile killing.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more details become available.