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UnitedHealthcare CEO shot and killed in New York City in 'targeted attack'
Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a Manhattan hotel. Authorities say it appears the shooting was premeditated.
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in New York City Wednesday morning, according to multiple media reports.
Police say Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, according to CNN, The New York Post, and other media reports. Thompson was in the city for the UnitedHealth Group annual investor conference, which was slated to begin this morning and has been postponed.
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in New York City Wednesday morning.
Authorities say the fatal shooting is being investigated as a targeted attack. At a news conference late Wednesday morning, New York City police officials said it appears Thompson was killed in a premeditated, targeted attack. However, authorities said the motive is unknown.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at the news conference that at this stage of the investigation, Thompson appears to have been killed in “a brazen, targeted attack. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
"Every indication is this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack," Tisch said.
Many people passed the suspect, who waited before firing at Thompson from behind, striking him in the back and calf, she said.
“It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes,” Tisch said.
Thompson was shot at 6:46 a.m., the New York Post reported. No arrests have been reported.
New York police said the shooter appeared to be a white man, who was wearing a cream or light brown jacket. Police said he was spotted riding a New York City e-bike in Central Park shortly after the shooting.
New York City police say Thompson, 50, was shot and transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, CNN reported.
Paulette Thompson, Brian Thompson's wife, shared a statement with CNN.
"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,” she said in the statement.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed,” Thompson added. “We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.”
Thompson was named chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, in April 2021. He previously served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs. Thompson held a number of leadership roles since joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
UnitedHealthcare, based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, employs more than 100,000 people. It’s a core business of UnitedHealth Group, which ranks fifth on the Fortune 500.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz wrote in a post on X, "This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team."
New York police said they are in contact with law enforcement agencies in Minnesota, and they say they are talking to Thompson's family to see if he had received any recent threats.
UnitedHealth Group issued a statement Wednesday morning about the fatal shooting of Thompson.
"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the company said. "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."
Kim Keck, president and CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, said in a post on LinkedIn that she was “deeply saddened” by Thompson’s death.
“The news of Brian Thompson’s death has shocked and deeply saddened all of us," Keck said. "I knew him to be a visionary leader who developed innovative ideas to take on some of the nation's greatest challenges. His death is a great loss for our country and for the health care industry. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
