UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot, Killed
Thompson, who was on his way to attend an annual investor conference in Manhattan today, was shot after 6:45 a.m. in a targeted attack, police officials say.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed this morning in front of the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan by a masked man, according to news reports.
Thompson
During a live press conference broadcasted by the Associated Press this morning, NYPD Chief of Detectives, Joseph Kenny, stated in a preliminary report a 911 call was made at 6:46 a.m. for a person shot in front of the hotel.
Thompson, 50, was identified as the victim of the targeted attack by the gunman who fled the scene and is still at large.
Police are currently unaware of the motive.
Thompson was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Chief Kenny shared that the gunman, who appears to be a light-skinned male, arrived at the location of the shooting on foot roughly 5 minutes prior to Thompson's arrival. The gunman stood alongside the building as numerous pedestrian's passed.
Based off of camera footage, Chief Kenny described Thompson leaving his hotel across the street from the Hilton at 6:44 a.m. The gunman then approached Thompson from behind and fired several shots.
After the shooting, the gunman fled on foot into a nearby alleyway eventually riding an electric Citi Bike into Central Park at 6:48 a.m.
A cellphone was recovered near the scene and is being investigated to see if it's connected to the incident, police report.
Prior to the tragic moment, Thompson was on his way to attend an annual investor conference being held at the hotel.
UnitedHealthcare, the health insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, is one of the nation’s largest health insurers. Thompson has been with the company for more than 20 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was appointed as CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.
UnitedHealth Group later issued a statement on the situation.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
NYPD Commissioner, Jessica Tisch encouraged the public to come forward with any information supporting the case, noting a $10,000 reward is being offered.
Tisch also advised that all members of the NYPD will be taking firm action in the safety of visitors safe at tonight's annual tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center. The Rockefeller Center is only a few blocks away from this morning's incident.
This is a developing story.
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