NEW YORK — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday morning in what police say was a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
Police said the 50-year-old executive was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone from a nearby hotel to the New York Hilton Midtown. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the gunman “lurked for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to be waiting for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
Tisch said Thompson was struck at least once in the back and once in the calf. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect, wearing a hoodie and carrying a distinctive gray backpack, then fled on foot through an alley before riding an electric bicycle into Central Park a few blocks away. The shooter was on the loose, prompting a search using police drones, helicopters and dogs.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the insurer’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said in a statement.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
Police released a poster showing a surveillance photo of the suspect pointing at what appeared to be a gun and a second photo that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Police are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The killing shook a part of New York that is usually peaceful at this time of year and took place about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people are expected to gather Wednesday evening for the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting.
Police tried to reassure New York residents and promised additional security measures for tree lighting, which will take place as planned.
“We encourage New Yorkers to go about their lives and their daily affairs, but remain vigilant,” said NYPD Chief Jeffrey Maddrey.
Investigators found several 9mm shell casings outside the hotel and a cell phone in the alley through which the suspect fled. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said they also searched Thompson’s hotel room and questioned his UnitedHealthcare colleagues.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the principal told her that “some people had threatened him.” She said she didn’t know the details but suggested they may have involved insurance issues.
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.
According to the company’s media advisory, the Minnetonka, Minn.-based company was scheduled to hold its annual meeting with investors in New York to update Wall Street on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early after Thompson’s death.
“I’m concerned that we – some of you may know, are dealing with a very serious medical situation for one of our team members,” a company representative told attendees, according to a transcript. “As a result, I’m afraid we will have to end today’s event, which is something I am in favor of. I’m sure you’ll understand.
Thompson served as CEO for more than three years and has been with the company since 2004.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and administers employer health insurance and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz he tweeted that the state “sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
“This is devastating news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care communities,” the Democrat wrote.
The New York Hilton Midtown is within walking distance of tourist attractions including Rockefeller Center and the Museum of Modern Art, and is often densely packed with tourists and workers on weekdays. The part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape and a gigantic contingent of police officers were present at the scene. Many security cameras do this nearby.
