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The head of a major American health insurance company was shot dead on a sidewalk in New York on Wednesday in what appeared to be a “brazen targeted attack,” police said.
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was walking into the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan when he was shot in the back and right calf shortly before 6:45 a.m. ET.
“All indications at this point are that this was a premeditated, premeditated, targeted attack,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference Wednesday.
“It appears that the suspect waited for several minutes, and as the victim was walking toward the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds.”
Police said the shooter fled on foot on a Citi Bike, then into Central Park. Thompson was pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital at 7:12 a.m
Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said security footage showed the shooter entering the hotel about five minutes before Thompson. Standing along the side of the building, the suspect missed “several” other people unharmed before opening fire on the businessman.
Thompson, 50, was in town from Minnesota on Wednesday to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton. He was staying at a hotel across the street, police said.
Kenny said he had no security detail and didn’t seem to realize he was in danger.
Mayor Eric Adams previously said the shooting appeared to be a “targeted killing.”
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance division of healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnesota-based company was scheduled to hold its annual meeting with investors in New York to update Wall Street on the company’s progress and expectations for the coming year. the company’s media advisor.
On Wednesday morning, attendees were told that the conference would end early.
“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,” the company said in a statement.
“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”
The Hilton is located in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist spots like the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and is often crowded with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting will take place on Wednesday evening.
Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape and a large contingent of officers were on the scene.
Thompson had served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that the state was “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the team at UnitedHealthcare.”
“This is appalling news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care community,” the Democrat wrote.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States and administers health insurance coverage for employers as well as Medicaid programs funded by the state and federal governments.
