NEW YORK, USA – Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday, December 4, 2024, morning in what New York City police are calling a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
Thompson was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference when he was ambushed and shot multiple times by a gunman who had reportedly been lying in wait.
At approximately 6:46 a.m., Thompson was approached from behind by the suspect, who opened fire, striking him in the back and the right calf, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said during a news conference.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the gunman arrived at the scene five minutes before the shooting and fired multiple rounds at Thompson.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again,” Kenny explained.
Three discharged 9mm shell casings, three live 9mm rounds, and a cell phone were recovered at the scene. The gunman fled on foot and then used a Citi Bike, last seen heading into Central Park.
Threats and Suspicions
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told reporters that her husband had been receiving threats.
“There had been some threats… I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, but investigators are treating it as a targeted killing.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect, described as wearing a black hoodie and pants and carrying a gray backpack.
Police believe the firearm used was equipped with a silencer, as witnesses near the scene reported not hearing gunshots.
Reactions and Impact
Thompson, a Minnesota resident, was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West. The annual investor conference was abruptly halted following news of the shooting.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, released a statement expressing its shock and grief.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him,” the company said.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He was recognised for his leadership in government programs, including Medicare & Retirement.
The NYPD has not made any arrests as of Wednesday afternoon. A $10,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
“We’re still working to understand the motive behind this attack,” Tisch said, adding that police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Thompson’s killing has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and beyond, raising questions about security for executives in high-profile positions.
