UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in a planned targeted attack outside a Manhattan hotel early Wednesday morning, the New York Police Department said.
Police said Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and chest outside New York’s Hilton Midtown hotel as UnitedHealth Group prepared to hold an investor meeting. Law enforcement officials said they were investigating the shooting as a targeted attack on the insurance giant’s CEO.
Thompson was initially unconscious and unresponsive and was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries, the NYPD said.
UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to hold an investor day at the Hilton on Wednesday, but it was canceled following reports of a shooting incident, CNBC reported.
“Unfortunately, as some of you may know, one of our team members is facing a very serious medical situation,” a UnitedHealth Group staff member said on an investor day, according to a transcript obtained by CNBC. ” “As a result, we regret to inform you that we have decided to end today’s event. We hope you understand.”
The shooting happened around 6:46 a.m. at 1335 Americus Avenue, 54th Street, police said. Police said Thompson left the hotel across the street alone and walked to the 54th Street entrance of the Hilton Hotel, where the gunman was waiting. The gunman arrived just five minutes before Thompson did.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it did not appear to be a random attack.
“This was not just a random act of violence. It appears that an individual was targeted and we intend to arrest that individual,” he said.
Adams said police are examining evidence at the scene, including video.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said the gunman shot Thompson in the back, then circled around and shot him multiple times in the chest.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said it was a “premeditated, premeditated, targeted attack.”
No arrests have been made in the case, and police said they were searching for the suspect, who left the scene wearing all black clothing, a cream-colored jacket, a black mask and a backpack. Witnesses said they saw the gunman drive away on a bicycle after the shooting.
News 4 obtained a photo of a suspect with a gun outside the hotel.
A law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the incident told NBC New York that the gunman was not targeted by Thompson because other people were passing near him and Thompson was not the target of the shooting. He said he believed the suspect had ambushed Thompson.
A mobile phone was recovered at the scene.
The suspect was last seen riding his Citi bike on Center Drive in Central Park before police said they lost sight of him.
UnitedHealthcare released a statement following the shooting, saying, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.Brian. all work together He was a highly respected colleague and friend. We are working closely with the New York City Police Department and appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. My heart goes out to Brian’s family and everyone close to him.”
Thompson arrived in New York City on Monday.
The Hilton is located in a lively area of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and is often crowded with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to take place Wednesday night.
Thompson has served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare for more than three years since being named to the top job in April 2021, according to his official bio. Mr. Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004.
Police said the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in this case, and police are asking for the public’s help in solving the case. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Getty Images Manhattan, New York, United States – December 4: Police take security measures after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot and killed in midtown Manhattan, New York, United States, on December 4, 2024. The CEO of United Healthcare was killed in a shooting. A shooting occurred near a hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Midtown. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. (Photo: Kyle Mazza/Anadolu, Getty Images) Getty Images Shortly after 6:45 a.m. on December 4, 2024, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, enters the New York Hilton in New York. Shots were fired and police covered up evidence with paper cups. The chief executive officer of United Healthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, was shot dead in an apparently targeted attack outside the Hilton Hotel in New York on Wednesday, US media reported. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP) (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images Manhattan, New York, USA – December 4: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot and killed. , the CEO of United Healthcare was killed in midtown Manhattan, New York, United States, on December 4, 2024, as police officers take security measures. The shooting occurred near a hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died. (Photo: Kyle Mazza/Anadolu, Getty Images) Getty Images Shortly after 6:45 a.m. on December 4, 2024, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, enters the New York Hilton in New York. Shots were fired and police covered up evidence with paper cups. The chief executive officer of United Healthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, was shot dead in an apparently targeted attack outside the Hilton Hotel in New York on Wednesday, US media reported. (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP) (Photo by BRYAN R. SMITH/AFP via Getty Images)
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