Police Hunt for Suspect in Targeted Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

 

New York City police are actively searching for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a targeted attack on Wednesday morning.

Thompson, 50, was gunned down outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, shortly after arriving for his company’s annual investor conference. The attack occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. A masked assailant approached Thompson, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene.

“This was a brazen, premeditated attack,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press briefing. “All evidence suggests this was not a random act of violence.”

Surveillance footage revealed that the shooter arrived at the location on foot five minutes before Thompson and waited for him to approach. The assailant ignored other pedestrians and ambushed Thompson from behind, firing shots into his back and leg. After his weapon momentarily malfunctioned, the shooter cleared the jam and continued firing.

Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.

Authorities described the suspect as a light-skinned male wearing a cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a gray backpack. After the attack, the gunman fled on an electric Citi Bike, heading toward Central Park.

Police recovered three discharged 9mm shell casings, three live rounds, and a cellphone from the scene. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, disclosed that her husband had received threats related to his work. “He mentioned there were people threatening him, possibly over coverage issues,” she told NBC News, describing the attack as premeditated.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed their condolences, with Walz calling the incident a “horrifying loss for Minnesota’s business and healthcare community.”

Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, described him as a devoted father and a good person, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

UnitedHealthcare issued a statement mourning Thompson’s death, describing him as a respected leader and colleague. Flags at company buildings were lowered to half-mast, and security was heightened at their offices.

The New York Hilton Midtown also expressed sympathy, directing questions to the NYPD.

Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials confirmed that investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence from the scene. Adams emphasized that authorities would apprehend the suspect, reiterating that the attack was deliberate.

Brian Thompson had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004, serving in various leadership roles before becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice.