UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was steps from the hotel when the gunman fired a silenced 9mm pistol multiple times from behind and then fled the scene on a Citi Bike|LinkedIn
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan early Wednesday at roughly around 6:45 a.m. ET, just hours before he was scheduled to speak at the company’s annual investor day.
Thompson was walking towards a hotel when the incident took place.
The NYPD confirmed it was a targeted attack, with surveillance footage showing the suspect lying in wait outside the New York Hilton Midtown. When the 50-year-old executive was steps from the hotel, the gunman fired a silenced 9mm pistol multiple times from behind and then fled the scene on a Citi Bike.
The suspect remains at large as of writing the report.
Though the motive behind the shooting is unclear, investigators are exploring potential motives, including threats linked to healthcare industry controversies. Paulette Thompson, the CEO’s wife, disclosed receiving threats related to denied medical claims, though no formal complaints had been filed.
Earlier this year, Thompson faced legal scrutiny over allegations of concealing a DOJ investigation from shareholders.
Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for tips. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. The case remains under investigation.
Thompson, a respected healthcare leader, rose from rural Iowa roots to lead the nation’s largest health insurer and was known for his leadership in healthcare and innovative patient navigation systems.