nitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically killed in a targeted shooting outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. He was in New York for an annual investor conference when a masked gunman fatally shot him. Authorities believe the attack was deliberate, with ongoing investigations into potential motives, including professional disputes or threats Thompson had reportedly received.
Thompson’s death has shocked both his professional community and his family, who reside in Minnesota. He leaves behind his wife, Paulette, and two teenage sons. A manhunt for the suspect continues.
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was tragically shot and killed outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The New York Police Department described the incident as “a bold, targeted attack.
”During a press conference held shortly after the shooting, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized, “I want to make it clear that all evidence points to this being a premeditated and planned assault.” She further stated, “This does not seem to be an act of random violence,” assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
At 50 years old, Thompson was at the helm of UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the United States. He was en route to UnitedHealth Group’s investor day event scheduled for 8 a.m. ET at the Hilton when the tragic event unfolded. Following the shooting, the company decided to cancel the event.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny reported that patrol officers responded to a 911 call at 6:46 a.m. ET regarding a shooting incident in front of the Hilton hotel located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas. Officers arrived just two minutes later, at 6:48 a.m. ET, discovering Thompson on the sidewalk suffering from gunshot wounds to his back and leg.
NBC News
Emergency medical services transported Thompson to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. ET, as reported by Chief Kenny.
Thompson had been staying at The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan Midtown, a Marriott-affiliated establishment situated on 54th Street, according to according to NBC News.
The shooter arrived at the scene on foot approximately five minutes before Thompson made his way to the Hilton, Kenny stated. While waiting for Thompson, the gunman was seen by several passersby.
As Thompson approached the Hilton alone, the assailant emerged from behind a parked car and approached him from the rear, firing multiple shots that struck him at least once in the back and once in the right calf, as per Kenny’s account and security footage obtained by NBC News. After the initial gunfire, the weapon appeared to jam, but the attacker managed to fire again.
Chief Kenny Report
After the shooting, the assailant fled on foot into an alleyway situated between 54th and 55th streets, according to Chief Kenny. He reported that the gunman then proceeded west along Avenue of the Americas, where he boarded an e-bike and headed toward Central Park.
Commissioner Tisch mentioned that the last sighting of the suspect was in Central Park on Center Drive earlier that morning. Kenny described the perpetrator as wearing a black face mask, distinctive black and white sneakers, and a “very notable” gray backpack. Security footage from the scene captured the shooter in a hooded jacket.
The NYPD recovered three live 9 mm rounds and three spent 9 mm shell casings from the site, Kenny stated. They also found a cellphone during their investigation.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection to the incident. Tisch announced that the NYPD has raised the reward for information leading to an arrest to $10,000.
According to a source familiar with the investigation, the gunman was reported to have used a firearm equipped with a silencer. However, Kenny noted that the NYPD has yet to confirm whether a silencer was indeed used, stating that further investigation is necessary.
ET Report
A hot dog vendor stationed near the Hilton at 6:30 a.m. ET reported that he did not hear any gunfire but quickly noticed a significant influx of police officers. A doorman at the Hilton, who began his shift at 7 a.m. ET, remarked that everything seemed “pretty normal” at the hotel prior to the incident. Both individuals requested anonymity.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette, and their two children. In an interview with NBC News, Paulette Thompson revealed that her husband had been receiving threats. She stated that the NYPD informed her it was a targeted attack.
“Yes, there had been some threats, but I’m not sure if it was related to a lack of coverage or what exactly,” she explained to NBC News. “All I know is that he mentioned there were individuals who had been threatening him. ”
Paulette Thompson also shared that despite the threats, her husband did not change his travel routines.
“I can’t really provide a thoughtful response at this moment,” she stated to NBC News. “I just learned about this, and I’m focused on comforting my children.”
UnitedHealth Group Statement
UnitedHealth Group stands as the largest healthcare conglomerate in the United States, boasting a revenue-driven status and an approximate market capitalization of $563 billion. Last year, UnitedHealthcare generated over $281 billion in revenue, accounting for more than two-thirds of UnitedHealth Group’s total annual earnings for 2023.
On Wednesday, shares of UnitedHealth Group increased by over 1%.
In a statement released on Wednesday, UnitedHealth Group expressed its “deep sadness and shock” at Thompson’s passing. The company referred to him as a “highly esteemed colleague and a friend to everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
“We are collaborating closely with the New York Police Department and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time,” UnitedHealth Group added. “Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and all those who were dear to him.”
Andrew Witty CEO
Earlier on Wednesday, the company announced the cancellation of its investor event due to a “medical situation” involving one of its employees.
“I regret to inform you that we are facing a very serious medical situation with a member of our team,” said Chief Executive Officer Andrew Witty during the investor day, as noted in a transcript. “Therefore, we must conclude the event today, and I trust you will understand.”
Thompson had been with UnitedHealth for just over two decades, having joined the company in April 2004 after nearly seven years at PwC, as indicated on his LinkedIn profile. He took on the role of CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, following his leadership of the insurance unit’s government programs.
A resident of Maple Grove, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Thompson graduated as valedictorian from the University of Iowa.
New York Governor”s Statement
On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement indicating that she had been briefed about the shooting and instructed state police to assist the NYPD with the investigation as needed.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the individual responsible is brought to justice,” she stated.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident as “horrifying news and a significant loss for the business and healthcare community” in a post shared on X on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group continues to deal with the repercussions of a ransomware attack that occurred in February, which targeted its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, responsible for processing medical claims. This cyberattack compromised the protected health information of over 100 million individuals.
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