UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot Wednesday morning in what police have described as a “brazen, targeted attack” outside the New York Hilton Midtown. The shooting occurred shortly before 7.00am as Thompson was en route to deliver a keynote speech at an investor conference hosted by the health insurance giant.
“This was a premeditated and deliberate act,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters. “The suspect appeared to be lying in wait for several minutes before executing his plan.” Authorities believe the attack was specifically targeted, though the motive remains unclear.
New York Mayor Eric Adams pledged full support for the investigation, saying, “This tragic incident has no place in our city. We are working relentlessly to apprehend the individual responsible.”
The gunman, wearing a hooded jacket and face mask, shot Thompson twice—once in the back and once in the leg—before fleeing on an e-bike towards Central Park, according to Tisch. Despite immediate medical attention and transportation to Mount Sinai West hospital, Thompson succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting disrupted the bustling Midtown district, known for its proximity to major landmarks like Rockefeller Center. The Hilton hotel, hosting the investor conference, was cordoned off as detectives combed the scene for evidence, including surveillance footage that captured the assailant’s movements.
UnitedHealthcare, a major player in the US healthcare system, expressed deep shock and sadness in a statement. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the killing “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the healthcare community.”
What police revealed about the incident:
- Thompson was shot twice, once in the back and once in the leg.
- The gunman wore a black hooded jacket, black and white trainers, a black face mask, and carried a grey backpack.
- The suspect waited for several minutes before targeting Thompson as he approached the hotel.
- The gunman fled the scene on an e-bike towards Central Park.
- A $10,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the arrest of the suspect, CBS New York reported.
