UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in "targeted" NYC shooting
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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday in New York. Photo: UnitedHealth Group
The CEO of insurance company UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in a broad daylight attack in New York City early Wednesday.
What's happening: Brian Thompson, 50, who led the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, died after a masked man fired at him repeatedly outside of a midtown Manhattan Hilton around 6:40 a.m.
- The NYPD confirmed Thompson was shot and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is continuing.
- Thompson's wife told NBC News he had been receiving threats, possibly related to health-care coverage.
What they're saying: "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson," UnitedHealth Group said in a statement.
- "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 was in New York to participate in a UnitedHealth Group investor conference at the Hilton hotel.
- He left his hotel across the street without a security guard and was heading to the investor conference when the gunman approached him and shot him in the back, NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny said at a news conference.
- After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot, hopped on an electric Citi Bike and rode into Central Park, Kenny said.
- The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
- "It does appear that the victim was specifically targeted," Kenny said. "This does not appear to be a random act of violence."
Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, which is part of UnitedHealth Group, whose CEO is Andrew Witty.
- UnitedHealth Group is the country's largest health insurer by market share, and UnitedHealthcare made up about 54% of the parent company's revenue in its most recent quarter.
- The investor conference was suspended after the shooting.
- Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and gradually climbed the ranks at the company, becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to his LinkedIn account.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with details on Thompson's killing.
