(TJV) Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan in what police have described as a targeted attack, according to a report by the New York Post.
Current scene on 54th and 6th Ave- NYPD hasn’t confirmed identity of 50-year-old man shot and killed this am outside Hilton Hotel but per @CNBC/ person familiar with matter…it was United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, it was targeted & shooter used a silencer. Presser 11:30 EST pic.twitter.com/w7aabZ3hhh
— Sam Brock (@SamBrockNBC) December 4, 2024
The 50-year-old executive had arrived at the hotel around 6:46 a.m. to attend UnitedHealth Group’s Investor Day conference when a masked gunman, reportedly waiting for him, fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene, sources told the Post. Thompson, struck in the chest, was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead, police confirmed.
Surveillance footage captured the suspected shooter, described as a white man wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers. He was also carrying a gray backpack. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect lingering near the hotel on Sixth Avenue before the shooting.
JUST IN 🚨
UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot outside the Manhattan Hilton Hotel in New York City.
Suspect is on the run. pic.twitter.com/oTp58cqBcP
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) December 4, 2024
After the attack, the gunman escaped through the Ziegfeld alleyway on a bicycle. Police said no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, announced the conference was abruptly canceled due to what he described as “a very serious medical situation” involving a team member. In a statement, Witty praised Thompson’s contributions to the company, highlighting his 20-year tenure and his leadership since taking over as CEO in 2021.
“Brian’s experience, relationships, and values made him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers and partners,” Witty said.
Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was well-regarded for his leadership in government programs such as Medicare and retirement prior to his promotion. He joined UnitedHealth after six years with PwC, an auditing firm in Minneapolis.
The UnitedHealth Group, which ranks fourth on the Fortune 500 and employs over 100,000 people nationwide, has not yet commented on the tragedy.
This high-profile killing has left authorities working to piece together the motive behind the attack, as Thompson’s colleagues and loved ones mourn the loss of a leader and friend.
