The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the the US’s largest health insurers, was fatally shot in the chest on Wednesday in midtown Manhattan, police confirmed in a press conference.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton Hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6.45am after arriving early for the annual UnitedHealthcare investor conference. A man wearing a mask approached him and fired at him repeatedly, police said.
Police said that they believe that Thompson was targeted in the attack. This was a “brazen targeted attack”, New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, said, adding that this “does not appear to be a random act of violence”.
“I want to be clear at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack,” she added.
The New York police department chief of detectives, Joseph Kenny, said that Thompson was found by police on the sidewalk in front of the Hilton with gunshot wounds to his back and his leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 7.12am.
The gunman arrived at the location on foot about five minutes before Thompson’s arrival at the scene, police said. From surveillance video, police said that Thompson was seen at 6.44am walking alone towards the Hilton.
The video then shows the gunman appearing to ignore other pedestrians who pass by. He approaches Thompson from behind and shoots him in the back before going toward the victim and continuing to shoot.
Authorities said the gun then appeared to malfunction, and the gunman cleared the jam before firing again and fleeing northbound into an alleyway between 54th Street and 55th Street. The shooter then continued to walk westbound on the Avenue of the Americas, where he got on to an electric Citi Bike and rode northbound on the Avenue of the Americas towards Central Park.
Police say that they recovered three live nine millimeter rounds and three discharged nine millimeter shell casings. Authorities also recovered a cellphone.
The shooter appeared to be a light-skinned male, authorities said, adding that he was wearing a light-brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a very distinctive grey backpack.
Police are searching for the gunman and offering up to $10,000 to anyone with information regarding Thompson’s death, as stated on a newly released flyer with two surveillance photos. The flyer shows a photo of a gunman, all in black with a grey backpack, holding a firearm, and another of the gunman on a bicycle.
Officials have said that no arrests have been made yet and that the investigation is ongoing. The motive is currently unknown.
The New York Times also reported that the gunman reportedly knew which door Thompson was going to enter and shot him several times from mere feet away before fleeing.
UnitedHealthcare did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian but released a statement on the incident shortly after noon ET.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the statement reads. “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.”
The UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to host its annual investor conference for analysts and institutional investors in New York City on Wednesday, beginning at 8am local time.
On Wednesday morning, two buildings associated with the company had their flags – US flags, Minnesota flags and company flags – at half-mast. There was a police officer outside one building, but otherwise the buildings were quiet.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown told the Guardian: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy” and directed any further questions the New York police department.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the incident, told ABC News he heard “the shot” adding: “It was silent gun, black gun.” He said he saw the shooter running across the street and tried to take a picture but he was too far away.
“I was shocked,” Abdelmula said. He said he was afraid of being shot too, adding: “I saw everything.”
Speaking about the shooting, the New York City mayor, Eric Adams, said it did not appear to be a random attack and that police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video.
“This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence” Adams said, according to the Associated Press. “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual.”
Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to the company. Prior to this role, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs including Medicare and retirement and community and state. Before leading government programs, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare medicare and retirement.
Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, called the shooting “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota” in a statement on Wednesday.
“Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team,” Walz added.
The US senator from Minnesota Amy Klobuchar said in a statement that this was a “horrifying and shocking act of violence” adding: “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at UnitedHealthcare in Minnesota.”
Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law Elena Reveiz told the New York Times this morning that she was still processing the news of Thompson’s death.
“He was a good person, and I am so sad,” Reveiz said, adding that Thompson was a good father to his two children. Reveiz said she was on her way to be with their family.
