Brian Thompson, CEO of the insurance division at UnitedHealth Group, the largest private insurer in the United States, was fatally shot on the 4th (local time) in the middle of Manhattan, New York, ahead of an investor conference. The New York Police Department (NYPD) is investigating the incident as a premeditated targeted attack.
According to the NYPD and others, Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed around 6:45 a.m. near the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. At the time, he was walking to attend UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. that day.
The shooter, who was waiting at the scene wearing a mask, fired multiple shots at Thompson’s calf and back before fleeing. Thompson was immediately transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
The NYPD explained that the shooter initially fled on foot but later rode a Citi Bike heading toward Central Park. They also recovered three shell casings and a cellphone along the escape route, which are currently under analysis. The motive for the crime has not yet been confirmed.
Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, stated, "This does not appear to be a random act of violence," adding, "All signs indicate this was a premeditated, deliberate targeted attack." Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News in a phone interview that Thompson had received several threats of murder and attacks but did not know the details.
The police have offered a reward of up to $10,000. Reviewing the released CCTV footage, the shooter is described as a light-skinned male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, black sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. It is estimated that he arrived at the scene at least 10 minutes prior. Investigators also confirmed that the shooter visited a Starbucks on 6th Avenue near the scene before attacking Thompson.
Thompson, 50 years old this year, was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. The company is the fourth-largest publicly traded firm by revenue, with a market capitalization of $566 billion. Local media reported that the insurance division led by Thompson contributes 75% of UnitedHealth Group’s total revenue. The group confirmed Thompson’s death and suspended the investor conference that began that morning. In a statement, they expressed, "We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague Thompson," and added, "We are working closely with the NYPD."
Meanwhile, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony scheduled for that evening at Rockefeller Center near the incident site is set to proceed as planned. The NYPD added that a large police presence, including plainclothes officers, will be deployed at the scene.
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