Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning, December 4, outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reportedly said the 50-year-old executive was walking to UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference when an unknown gunman approached from behind and fired multiple rounds, striking him in the back and calf.
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
As reported by NBC, police described it as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Surveillance footage, shared by NBC, showed the gunman waiting several minutes before shooting Thompson, who wore a blue suit.
The attacker followed him as he fell and continued firing.
Police said the gun appeared to jam but was cleared before the shooter resumed firing.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said officers recovered three live 9 mm rounds, three discharged shell casings, and a cell phone near the scene.
Investigators believe the gunman used a firearm equipped with a silencer.The suspect fled on foot, switched to a rental bike, and was last seen entering Central Park.
Police described the suspect as wearing a black hoodie and pants and carrying a gray backpack.
Police believe that Thompson was deliberately targeted, though the motive remains unclear.
Adding to the uncertainty, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, recalled that her husband had received threats.
“Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said.
The family continues to mourn his loss, describing him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing shock and sadness over Thompson’s death, describing him as a respected colleague and friend.The company pledged full cooperation with the NYPD’s investigation and extended heartfelt condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.
Before his tragic death, Thompson’s professional achievements and leadership highlighted his significant impact on the healthcare industry.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, overseeing nearly 140,000 employees worldwide.
Prior to becoming CEO, Thompson led UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement division, the largest U.S. business focused on senior health, as well as the Community & State division, which provides healthcare services to underserved populations.
He later held several senior roles, including Chief Financial Officer for multiple divisions, showcasing his versatility and leadership within the organization.