The head of a major American health insurance company was shot dead on a sidewalk in New York City on Wednesday in what appeared to be a “brazen targeted attack,” according to police.
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was walking into the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan when he was shot in the back and the right calf just before 6:45 a.m. ET.
“At this time, every indication is this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference Wednesday.
“It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds.”
Police said the shooter fled on foot, then into Central Park on a Citi Bike. Thompson was pronounced dead at Roosevelt Hospital at 7:12 a.m.
The police department’s chief of detectives Joseph Kenny said security footage showed the shooter getting to the hotel about five minutes before Thompson. Standing along the building’s edge, the suspect let “numerous” other people pass by unharmed before opening fire on the businessman.
Thompson, 50, was in the city from Minnesota to speak at an investors meeting at the Hilton on Wednesday. He was staying at a hotel across the street, police said.
Kenny said he did not appear to have a security detail and did not seem to realize he was in danger.
Mayor Eric Adams had earlier said the shooting appeared to be a “targeted murder.”
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health-care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The Minnesota-based company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York City to update Wall Street on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory.
An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending 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,” read a company statement.
“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.
Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at 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 is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health-care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers as well Medicaid programs funded by the state and federal governments.
