Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was fatally shot in a targeted attack outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown on Wednesday morning. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that a masked gunman, who had been waiting outside the hotel, shot Thompson multiple times around 6:46 a.m.
The suspect, who seemed to be proficient with firearms, managed to escape the scene on an electric Citi Bike, disappearing into Central Park, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny. The NYPD and CrimeStoppers have launched a manhunt for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Thompson was rushed to Roosevelt Hospital in critical condition after being shot in the torso. Despite the efforts of first responders who attempted to save him with CPR, he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Kenny stated that the evidence suggests Thompson was specifically targeted.
The incident occurred near the venue where UnitedHealth Group was hosting its investors’ conference. Thompson, who was staying at a nearby Marriott hotel, was approaching the Hilton when the masked suspect struck. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect loitering near the hotel on Sixth Avenue prior to the shooting.
The suspect, described as a white male wearing a dark jacket, black face mask, and black and white sneakers, was seen carrying a distinctive gray backpack. After the shooting, he reportedly fled through the Ziegfeld alleyway between 54th and 55th streets before hopping onto the electric bike. He was last seen around 6:48 a.m. entering Central Park.
Thompson, who had been with UnitedHealth for two decades, took on 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, praised Thompson’s commitment to the company, which is the largest private health insurer in the U.S.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the business community. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed to NBC News that the family had received threats prior to the incident. The nature of these threats remains unclear.
The NYPD is currently investigating all possible leads, including Thompson’s social media, interviews with employees and family members, and liaising with law enforcement in Minnesota. They are also working with Citi Bike to track down the shooter’s ride using GPS data.