Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare CEO, killed in NYC attack: police hunt gunman

The incident took place outside the Hilton Midtown hotel in the heart of Manhattan on Wednesday morning.

At around 7 a.m., Thompson was walking to the hotel to attend his company's annual investor conference. Surveillance footage shows that the shooter, wearing a mask and carrying a gray backpack, was waiting for Thompson. As the CEO approached the hotel, the gunman appeared behind him, shot him in the back, and continued firing after the victim fell.

The shooter calmly walked towards Thompson and fired more shots. Police later discovered that the weapon used may have been fitted with a silencer, which could have caused it to malfunction and jam. Despite this, the shooter seemed skilled with firearms, quickly clearing the jam and continuing the attack.

Thompson was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead within 30 minutes. The gunman fled the scene and was last seen riding an electric bike towards Central Park. Police have been combing through surveillance footage and have found some items that might belong to the suspect, including a phone and a water bottle. They are hopeful that these items could help them identify the shooter.

The investigation has revealed that the gunman’s actions seemed planned. The attack was described by police as a "targeted" and "premeditated" strike. Investigators believe that the words “delay” and “depose” were found on the rounds and shell casings tied to the shooter. These words might hint at a motive connected to the insurance industry’s famous phrase “delay, deny, defend,” but police are still looking into this theory.

Police also think the shooter may have used the subway to get to the scene and pre-positioned his electric bike for a quick getaway. Investigators found video footage of the suspect buying water and snacks just before the attack, and they hope the phone and other evidence could lead to more clues.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that helps catch the suspect. They believe the shooter is a light-skinned male who was last seen wearing a cream-colored jacket, a black mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack.

Brian Thompson, 50, was a well-respected leader at UnitedHealthcare, where he served as CEO since 2021. He had worked at the company for many years and was known for his generosity and leadership. His wife, Paulette Thompson, said the family was "shattered" by his loss and described him as a loving father to their two sons.

UnitedHealthcare expressed its sadness, saying, “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.” The company also stated that they were cooperating with the New York Police Department in the investigation.

While the motive behind the shooting is still unclear, reports suggest there may have been threats against high-level executives at UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare. Paulette Thompson confirmed that her husband had received some threats, although the details remain unclear.

This tragic incident has left the community shocked, and police are working hard to find the person responsible. Investigators are hopeful that new evidence will lead them to the gunman soon, and they continue to follow all leads to bring justice to Brian Thompson’s family.