Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old chief executive officer of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was tragically killed in a targeted shooting outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown on Wednesday morning. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has reported that an unidentified masked assailant, who had been lying in wait outside the hotel, fired multiple shots at Thompson around 6:46 a.m.
The perpetrator, who appeared to be skilled in handling firearms, managed to evade capture by fleeing the scene on an electric Citi Bike, disappearing into the depths of Central Park. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny confirmed these details. In response to the incident, the NYPD and CrimeStoppers have initiated a manhunt for the suspect, offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to his apprehension.
Following the shooting, Thompson was immediately transported to Roosevelt Hospital in a critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to his torso. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders who attempted to resuscitate him, Thompson was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. The motive behind the attack is currently unknown, but according to Kenny, the evidence indicates that Thompson was the intended target.
The incident took place in close proximity to the location where UnitedHealth Group was holding its investors’ conference. Thompson, who was residing at a nearby Marriott hotel, was on his way to the Hilton when the masked assailant attacked. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the suspect loitering near the hotel on Sixth Avenue before the shooting took place.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male dressed in a dark jacket, black face mask, and black and white sneakers. He was seen carrying a distinctive gray backpack. After the shooting, he was seen fleeing through the Ziegfeld alleyway between 54th and 55th streets before mounting the electric bike. His last known location was entering Central Park around 6:48 a.m.
Thompson, a two-decade veteran of UnitedHealth, assumed the role of CEO in 2021. He was based at the company’s offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Andrew Witty, CEO of parent company UnitedHealth Group, lauded Thompson’s dedication to the company, which is the largest private health insurer in the U.S.
The incident has sent ripples of shock through the business community. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, disclosed to NBC News that the family had received threats prior to the incident, although the nature of these threats remains unclear. The NYPD is currently pursuing all possible leads, including examining Thompson’s social media, conducting interviews with employees and family members, and collaborating with law enforcement in Minnesota. They are also working with Citi Bike to track down the shooter’s ride using GPS data.