In a shocking incident on Wednesday morning, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in Manhattan. Police have described the attack as a “premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.”
Thompson, 50, was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference at the New York Hilton Hotel. The gunman approached him from behind and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene.
Brazen Attack Outside Midtown Hotel
The shooting occurred at 6:44 am on Sixth Avenue near the New York Hilton Hotel. Security footage shows Thompson walking down the street when the gunman emerged from behind a parked car. The attacker shot Thompson in the back and leg, causing him to stumble forward.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the gunman continued firing as he moved closer to Thompson. “The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again,” Kenny said.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the suspect waited for several minutes before the attack. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said.
Figure 1: Site of shooting with movements of the gunman
Evidence Found at the Scene
Officers responding to the scene recovered three live 9mm rounds and three discharged shell casings. A mobile phone and water bottle were found in a nearby alley, believed to have been dropped by the suspect.
The gun used in the attack appeared to be outfitted with a silencer, which can cause weapon malfunctions. Firearms experts noted the suspect’s calm response to clearing the gun jams, suggesting he had professional training.
The suspect fled northbound on foot and later used an electric bike to escape towards Central Park. The NYPD is working with GPS data from the bike company to track the suspect’s movements.
Details of the Suspect
Surveillance footage shows the suspect wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a grey backpack. Earlier, at 6:17 am, the gunman was spotted purchasing water and power bars at a Starbucks on Sixth Avenue.
Investigators believe the suspect had pre-positioned an electric bike nearby for the escape. The NYPD has released images of the suspect and urged the public to come forward with any information.
Figure 2: Image of the suspect in black hoodie (released by New York Police Department)
Thompson’s Career and Personal Life
Brian Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, having joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004. He previously led the company’s Medicare and Retirement businesses.
Thompson, a Minnesota resident, held a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa, where he graduated as valedictorian. He is survived by his wife, Paulette, and two sons.
UnitedHealth Group described Thompson as a “highly respected colleague and friend.” The company abruptly ended its investor conference following the tragedy.
Possible Motives Under Investigation
The motive for the killing remains unclear. Paulette Thompson revealed that her husband had received threats before the attack. “There had been some threats,” she said.
A source familiar with the investigation confirmed that UnitedHealth Group had also faced threats targeting high-level executives. While Brian Thompson’s name was not specifically mentioned, investigators are exploring the possibility that these threats may be connected to the murder.
Public Call for Information
The NYPD is actively seeking leads and has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
“This was a deliberate and calculated attack,” Commissioner Tisch said. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in this investigation.”
Final Moments Captured on Video
Footage from the shooting shows Thompson dressed in a blue suit, walking on the relatively quiet street. The gunman fires several rounds, causing Thompson to collapse on the sidewalk.
At 6:48 am, emergency responders arrived and transported Thompson to Mount Sinai West Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 7:12 am.
Shock and Mourning
Thompson’s murder has sent shockwaves through the business and healthcare communities. As the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he oversaw the largest insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, a Fortune 500 company.
UnitedHealth Group said in a statement, “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are combing through evidence, including the suspect’s phone and the water bottle, which may yield DNA or fingerprints. Police are also examining GPS data from the electric bike and analysing threats made against UnitedHealth Group executives.
As the investigation continues, the tragic killing of Brian Thompson leaves a void in the healthcare industry and raises questions about security for corporate leaders.
