The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the US’s largest health insurers, was shot dead on Wednesday in midtown Manhattan, police confirmed in a press conference.
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Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6.45am after arriving early for the company’s annual investor conference. A man wearing a mask approached him and fired at him repeatedly, police said.
Police said they believe Thompson was targeted in the attack. This was a “brazen, targeted attack”, New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, said, adding that this “does not appear to be a random act of violence”.
“I want to be clear at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack,” she added.
The New York police department chief of detectives, Joseph Kenny, said Thompson was found by police on the sidewalk in front of the Hilton with gunshot wounds to his back and his leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in critical condition, and was pronounced dead at 7.12am.
The gunman arrived at the location on foot about five minutes before Thompson’s arrival, police said. From surveillance video, police said Thompson was seen at 6.44am walking alone towards the Hilton.
Police said video showed the gunman appearing to ignore other pedestrians. Officials said he approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the back before moving toward the victim and continuing to shoot.
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Authorities said the gun appeared to malfunction, and the gunman cleared the jam before firing again and fleeing northbound into an alleyway between 54th Street and 55th Street. The shooter then continued to walk westbound on the Avenue of the Americas, where he got on to an electric Citi Bike and rode northbound towards Central Park.
Police say they recovered three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings. Authorities also recovered a cellphone.
The shooter appeared to be a light-skinned male, authorities said, wearing a light-brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive grey backpack.
Police are searching for the gunman and are offering up to $10,000 for information about Thompson’s death, as stated on a newly released flyer with two surveillance photos. The flyer shows a photo of a suspect, all in black with a grey backpack, holding a firearm, and another of the suspect on a bicycle.
An image released later by the NYPD showed a suspect in a dark jacket, reportedly while in a Starbucks coffee shop minutes before the shooting.
The New York Times also reported that the suspect reportedly knew which door Thompson was going to enter and shot him several times from mere feet away before fleeing.
Officials have said that no arrests have been made yet and that the investigation is continuing. The motive is currently unknown.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News her husband had received threats.
“There had been some threats,” she said. “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 also told the outlet that the police had told her it appeared the shooting was “a planned attack”.
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.
UnitedHealthcare released a statement on the incident shortly after noon ET.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the statement read.
“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.”
The UnitedHealth Group, which owns United Healthcare, was scheduled to host its annual investor conference on Wednesday, beginning at 8am local time.
Two buildings associated with the company had their flags – US flags, Minnesota flags and company flags – at half-mast. There was a police officer outside one building, but otherwise the buildings were quiet.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.” It directed further questions the New York police department.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the incident, told ABC News he heard “the shot”. He said: “It was silent gun, black gun.” He said he saw the shooter running across the street and tried to take a picture, but was too far away.
“I was shocked,” Abdelmula said. He said he was afraid of being shot too: “I saw everything.”
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The New York mayor, Eric Adams, said it did not appear to be a random attack and that police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video.
“This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence” Adams said. “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual.”
Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to the company. Prior to this role, he served as chief executive of UnitedHealthcare government programs including Medicare and retirement and community and state. Before leading government programs, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare medicare and retirement.
Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, called the shooting “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota”.
“Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team,” Walz added.
The police department in the city where Thompson lives - Maple Grove, Minnesota - said it had notified Thompson’s family of his murder this morning, at the request of the New York City police department.“We extend our deepest condolences to the Thompson family during this difficult time,” the department said in a statement.
US senator Amy Klobuchar, who represents Minnesota, called the shooting a “horrifying and shocking act of violence”, adding: “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at UnitedHealthcare in Minnesota.”
Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law Elena Reveiz told the New York Times she was still processing the news of Thompson’s death.
“He was a good person, and I am so sad,” Reveiz said, adding that Thompson was a good father to his two children. Reveiz said she was on her way to be with their family.
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