NEW YORK, NY. – Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed early Wednesday morning in what police are calling a “brazen targeted attack.” Thompson was in Manhattan to speak at an investor conference when the incident occurred.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that the shooting took place at approximately 6:46 a.m. outside the Hilton Hotel on Avenue of the Americas, between West 53rd and West 54th Streets. Officers arrived on the scene within minutes to find Thompson suffering from gunshot wounds to his back and leg. He was transported to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
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According to Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny, surveillance footage shows the suspect arriving at the scene on foot about five minutes before Thompson. The suspect appeared to wait along the building line as numerous pedestrians passed by.
At 6:44 a.m., Thompson exited a hotel across the street and walked alone toward the Hilton. As he neared the hotel, the suspect stepped from behind a parked car and shot Thompson from behind.
The gunman then approached the fallen CEO, fired additional shots, and fled on foot. Surveillance footage later captured the suspect riding a gray e-bike northbound toward Central Park, where he was last seen on Center Drive.
Authorities describe the shooter as a light-skinned male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack. Investigators recovered three spent shell casings and three live rounds at the scene.
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Chief Kenny emphasized that the attack appears premeditated and specifically targeted Thompson, though the motive remains unknown. “This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” he said. Detectives are now working with law enforcement in Minnesota, where Thompson resided, to determine if he had received any threats.
Additionally, investigators are examining a cell phone found near the shooter’s escape route and tracking the e-bike using its GPS system.
The NYPD has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of the shooter to $10,000. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. All tips will remain anonymous.
Previous report: Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred at approximately 6:46 a.m. ET, and Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West hospital.
The New York Police Department confirmed the shooting of a 50-year-old male but did not officially release the victim’s identity. However, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to CNBC that the victim was indeed Thompson.
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UnitedHealthcare the largest private health insurer in the US, canceled its investor day event at the New York Hilton hotel following the news of the shooting.
Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, a critical component of UnitedHealth Group. His unexpected death is a significant loss for the company and the healthcare industry.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and the NYPD is actively investigating the incident. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
This is a developing story.
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