UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outdoors a Manhattan resort early Wednesday morning in a focused, premeditated assault, the NYPD mentioned.
Thompson, 50, was shot within the again and chest outdoors the New York Hilton Midtown resort as UnitedHealth group was making ready to carry an traders assembly, police mentioned. Police officers mentioned they’re investigating the taking pictures as a focused assault in opposition to the insurance coverage big CEO.
Thompson was initially discovered unconscious and unresponsive, and was taken to Mount Sinai West hospital in vital situation however later died from his accidents, in accordance with the NYPD.
UnitedHealth Group was set to carry an investor day on the Hilton on Wednesday however canceled it after reviews of the taking pictures, CNBC reviews.
“I’m afraid that we – some of you may know we’re dealing with very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” UnitedHealth Group employees mentioned through the investor day, in accordance with a transcript obtained by CNBC. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I’m sure you’ll understand.”
The taking pictures occurred round 6:46 a.m. on 54th Road at 1335 Avenue of the Americas, police mentioned. Thompson had left his resort throughout the road by himself and was strolling to the Hilton resort’s 54th Road entrance the place the shooter was ready for him, police mentioned. The shooter had arrived simply 5 minutes earlier than Thompson’s arrival.
New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams mentioned it didn’t look like a random assault.
“This was not what seems to be a simply random act of violence. It appears to be clearly focused by a person and we are going to apprehend that particular person,” he mentioned.
Adams mentioned police had been reviewing proof from the scene, together with video.
The gunman shot Thompson within the again after which went round him and shot him a number of instances within the chest, in accordance with NYPD’s chief of detectives Joseph Kenny.
This was a “premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” mentioned NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
No arrests have been made within the case and police mentioned they’re searching for the gunman who left the scene carrying all black clothes, a cream-colored jacket, a black face masks and a backpack. A witness mentioned they noticed the gunman take off on a bicycle after the taking pictures.
Police imagine the shooter was mendacity in anticipate Thompson since different folks handed by the shooter and he didn’t goal them, legislation enforcement sources with direct information of the case inform NBC New York.
A cellphone was recovered on the scene.
The suspect was final seen on a Citi bike in Central Park at Middle Drive earlier than police say they overpassed him.
UnitedHealthcare launched an announcement following the taking pictures: “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.”
Thompson arrived in New York Metropolis on Monday.
The Hilton is in a bustling a part of Manhattan, a brief stroll from vacationer websites such because the Museum of Trendy Artwork and Rockefeller Middle, and infrequently dense with vacationers and workplace staff on weekday mornings. The favored Rockefeller Middle Christmas Tree lighting is ready to happen Wednesday night.
Thompson has served as UnitedHealthcare CEO for greater than three years having been named to the highest job in April 2021, in accordance with his official bio. Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004.
Police mentioned the motive for the taking pictures stays unknown.
A $10,000 reward is being provided for info resulting in an arrest within the case and police are asking for the general public’s assist in fixing the case. Anybody with info is requested to name Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Getty Photos
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – DECEMBER 4: Law enforcement officials take safety measures as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, New York, United States on December 4, 2024. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in a Midtown taking pictures close to a resort on 54th Road between sixth and seventh Avenues. He was rushed to an space hospital and later died. (Photograph by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu through Getty Photos)
Getty Photos
Police cowl proof with paper cups as as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson, 50, was shot as he entered the New York Hilton after 6:45am on December 4, 2024 in New York. The chief govt of one of many United States’s largest medical insurance corporations, UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outdoors a New York Hilton resort in an apparently focused hit Wednesday, US media reported. (Photograph by Bryan R. SMITH / AFP) (Photograph by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP through Getty Photos)
Getty Photos
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – DECEMBER 4: Law enforcement officials take safety measures as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan, New York, United States on December 4, 2024. The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in a Midtown taking pictures close to a resort on 54th Road between sixth and seventh Avenues. He was rushed to an space hospital and later died. (Photograph by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu through Getty Photos)
Getty Photos
Police cowl proof with paper cups as as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson, 50, was shot as he entered the New York Hilton after 6:45am on December 4, 2024 in New York. The chief govt of one of many United States’s largest medical insurance corporations, UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outdoors a New York Hilton resort in an apparently focused hit Wednesday, US media reported. (Photograph by Bryan R. SMITH / AFP) (Photograph by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP through Getty Photos)
