Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was tragically killed in what authorities describe as a targeted shooting outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning.
The 50-year-old executive was arriving at the hotel at approximately 6:46 a.m. to attend an industry conference when a masked assailant lying in wait opened fire.
Surveillance footage shows the gunman, dressed in a hooded coat and mask, aiming at Thompson on Sixth Avenue before fleeing the scene on a bicycle: police.
Thompson sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. First responders attempted CPR on the scene, as captured in harrowing video footage, and rushed him to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Authorities believe the attack was premeditated and targeted, with no indications that it was a random act of violence.
“It appears as though this was a targeted murder,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference. “We will apprehend the individual responsible.”
The suspect is described as a white male wearing a coat, black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect loitering near the hotel before the shooting.
Police say the gunman fired multiple shots at Thompson from a distance and then escaped through the Ziegfeld alleyway on a bicycle.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty confirmed that Thompson was attending the company’s Investor Day conference, which was being held at the Hilton. In light of the tragedy, the event was abruptly canceled.
NYC Police Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny says the suspect in the shooting of the UnitedHealth CEO "does seem that he's proficient in the use of firearms." pic.twitter.com/79oNOn9juz
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In a statement, Witty expressed shock and grief over the loss. “Brian’s dedication to improving healthcare for consumers and his commitment to our company will never be forgotten,” Witty said.
Thompson, who had worked with UnitedHealth for 20 years, was named CEO of the insurance division in 2021. He had previously served as head of the company’s government programs, including Medicare and retirement services.
Colleagues and company officials lauded Thompson for his contributions to the healthcare industry. When promoting him to CEO, Witty praised Thompson’s “experience, relationships, and values” as integral to UnitedHealth’s success as the largest private health insurer in the United States.
Thompson lived in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where UnitedHealth is headquartered. He resided in a five-bedroom home he purchased in 2018 for $1 million. Before joining UnitedHealth, Thompson worked at PwC in Minneapolis for six years.
UnitedHealth Group employs over 100,000 people across the United States and is ranked fourth on the Fortune 500 list. The company has not yet released an official comment on Thompson’s death but continues to work with authorities during the investigation.
Thompson’s death marks a significant loss for UnitedHealth and the broader healthcare community, as colleagues and officials mourn a dedicated leader whose impact spanned decades.