Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on Wednesday morning, December 4.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the 50-year-old CEO was reportedly walking to UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference when an anonymous shooter approached him from behind and fired multiple bullets, striking him in the back and leg.
Thompson was pronounced dead by Mount Sinai West Hospital.
Police described the incident as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack,” according to NBC.
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The shooter waited for many minutes before shooting Thompson, who was wearing a blue suit, according to surveillance footage made public by NBC.
The assailant followed him and continued shooting as he fell.
Police claim that although the gun appeared to jam, it was unlocked before the shooter resumed his fire.
Officers discovered three discharged shell casings, three live 9 mm rounds, and a cell phone near the scene, according to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
According to investigators, the rifle the shooter used had a silencer attached.
The man fled on foot, changed to a rented bike, and was last seen approaching Central Park.
The man was wearing black jeans and a hoodie, and the cops said he was carrying a gray rucksack.According to the police, the guy was carrying a gray backpack and was dressed in black jeans and a sweatshirt.
Police think Thompson was singled out on purpose, but the reason is still unknown.
Paulette, Thompson’s wife, raised more questions by mentioning that her husband had received threats.
“He said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she explained, adding, “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details.”
The family remains in mourning, remembering him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” and has asked for privacy as they navigate this challenging period.
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Following the event, UnitedHealth Group released a statement describing Thompson as a friend and well-respected colleague and expressing shock and regret over his passing.
The company pledged to fully cooperate with the NYPD’s investigation and offered its sincere condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.
Thompson had a huge impact on the healthcare industry, as evidenced by his leadership and professional achievements before his tragic death.
According to his LinkedIn page, Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, overseeing about 140,000 workers worldwide.
Prior to becoming CEO, Thompson was in charge of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement division, the biggest senior health company in the US, and Community & State division, which provides healthcare services to underserved communities.
He subsequently held other high-level roles inside the organization, including Chief Financial Officer for multiple divisions, showcasing his flexibility and leadership.
Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Thompson spent nearly seven years in a range of roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).
He conducted due diligence for corporate, venture capital, and private equity clients in industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, insurance, and autos while managing both domestic and international mergers and acquisitions in his role as Manager of Transaction Advisory Services from 2002 to 2004.
From 1997 until 2002, Thompson worked as an Audit Manager at PwC, where he oversaw audits for large international firms and managed regulatory audits, debt offers, and SEC filings.
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Thompson was especially notable for his academic prowess.
He received the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key for having the highest GPA after graduating from the University of Iowa in 1997 with valedictorian honors.
He was named a Carver, State of Iowa, and faculty scholar, among other accolades.
The death of such a prominent and accomplished person continues to shock the business community.
Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, was shot and killed outside a Manhattan hotel in an apparent targeted attack, law enforcement official sayshttps://t.co/VTkVsMqXgx
— CNN (@CNN) December 4, 2024
To ascertain the circumstances underlying Thompson’s attack-related death, authorities are doing a comprehensive investigation.
Although no arrests have been made, Crime Stoppers, an organization that works with law enforcement to investigate crimes, has allegedly offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
