UnitedHealthcare C.E.O. Is Killed in Midtown Manhattan

Police Hunt for Gunman After UnitedHealthcare C.E.O. Is Killed in Midtown Manhattan

The executive, Brian Thompson, was shot in what the police described as a "brazen targeted attack" outside a hotel where the company was holding an investor meeting. The assailant was last spotted in Central Park, investigators said at a news conference.

NEW YORK, Dec 4 (Reuters) — Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance unit, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in what authorities described as a targeted attack.

Thompson, 50, was attacked around 6:45 a.m. ET outside the Hilton on Sixth Avenue, just before UnitedHealth’s annual investor conference. He was taken to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The assailant remains at large, and police are investigating the motive. "This does not appear to be a random act of violence," stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. "All indications point to a premeditated, targeted attack."

The masked suspect, carrying a gray backpack, fled on foot and later escaped on an electric bike into Central Park. The incident occurred just hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, which proceeded as planned with heightened security.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, mentioned to NBC News that he had received threats, though details remain unclear. "He mentioned being threatened, but I don't know specifics," she said, hinting at a potential insurance-related motive.

UnitedHealth, the largest U.S. health insurer, serves millions of Americans. Thompson had led UnitedHealthcare since April 2021 and previously held key roles since joining in 2004. Recently, the company faced challenges from a significant data breach at its Change Healthcare unit, disrupting medical care and reimbursements nationwide.

Targeted Attack Details

The gunman reportedly waited outside the Hilton for about five minutes, ignoring passersby and shooting Thompson in the back as he approached, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed. Surveillance footage suggests the weapon may have had a silencer, though this detail remains unverified.

The attack caused chaos at the investor conference. CEO Andrew Witty canceled the event due to the tragedy, and attendees described scenes of fear and confusion. Investment analyst Michael Ha, present at the hotel, noted, "We didn’t even know if the shooter was still inside."

Community and Industry Reactions

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, expressed shock, calling it an assassination. Thompson was remembered as a highly respected leader with a promising future. "Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who knew him," UnitedHealth stated.

The shooting comes during New York's bustling holiday season, expected to attract over 7.5 million visitors. Despite a post-pandemic spike, the city’s homicide rate has returned to pre-COVID levels, with 347 recorded cases this year compared to 370 in 2023.

A visitor from London staying at the Hilton, Heather Higginson, described the incident as deeply unsettling. "It's shocking, especially at Christmas," she remarked.