Brian Thompson, the boss of one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, was shot dead Wednesday morning while he was on his way to a conference at the New York Hilton Midtown.
While the suspect remains at large, 20 Minutes takes stock of the matter.
What happened?
Brian Thompson was on his way to his company's annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. At 6:41 a.m., as he was walking toward the hotel, a gunman attacked him from behind, firing at least two bullets – one into his back and another into his right calf. During a press conference, New York police explained that the suspect waited for his victim to arrive for several minutes before acting.
The attack, described as “targeted and premeditated” by Jessica Tisch, the commissioner of the NYPD (New York Police Department) in charge of the investigation, took place a few blocks from the Rockefeller Centerwhere the famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place this evening. The police reinforced their presence to secure the festivities.
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Has the suspect been apprehended?
The suspect is still at large. He was described as a light-skinned man, wearing a beige jacket, a black mask, black and white sneakers, and a gray backpack. After the attack, he fled the scene on foot before taking an electric bike Citi Bike from the city to go to Central Park.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking GPS data from the bike to locate the suspect. A $10,000 reward has been promised for information leading to his arrest.
Who is the victim?
Brian Thompson, 48, has been the CEO of UnitedHealthcare since 2021. It is the largest health insurance company in the United States, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fourth in the Fortune 500.
Married with two children, Brian Thompson was considered an influential and respected boss. In a message to employees, Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealthcare's parent company, described Thompson as an “extraordinary” person who “touched the lives of many people.” »
Where is the investigation?
The New York police are mobilizing significant resources to find the shooter. Drones, dogs and helicopters are deployed, and reinforced patrols are visible in Manhattan.
Investigators confirmed that the weapon used was equipped with a silencer.
