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In a shocking turn of events, Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan. The attack occurred just outside the Hilton Hotel on West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue, where Thompson was scheduled to speak at his company’s 2024 investor conference.
According to the NYPD, Thompson was ambushed by a masked gunman at approximately 6:45 a.m. Witnesses reported the assailant appeared to have been waiting for hours, possibly overnight, knowing exactly which entrance Thompson would use. The suspect fired multiple shots, striking Thompson in the back and calf, before fleeing north on a bicycle. Police described the suspect as a slim man about six feet tall, wearing a cream-colored jacket, black gloves, and a black mask.
Emergency responders rushed Thompson to Roosevelt Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Authorities have labeled the killing a "targeted attack" but have yet to determine a motive.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, revealed to NBC News that her husband had recently received threats, potentially linked to his high-profile position in the healthcare industry. "There had been some threats," she said. "Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details."
UnitedHealthcare is the largest private health insurer in the U.S., providing coverage to over 49 million Americans. The company has often faced public scrutiny over its policies amid the broader debate on the cost of healthcare in the U.S.
Who Was Brian Thompson?
Thompson, who became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, had been with the company since 2004, holding various leadership roles. He previously led its Medicare & Retirement division and was instrumental in managing government programs. A Minnesota resident, Thompson graduated as valedictorian from the University of Iowa and began his career as a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Colleagues and officials have expressed their grief. Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, described Thompson as a "respected colleague and friend." Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the killing a "horrifying loss for the business and healthcare community."
Unanswered Questions
While police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture, many questions remain unanswered. Was the attack motivated by professional grievances, personal vendettas, or something else entirely?
The brazen nature of the shooting in a bustling part of Manhattan has rattled residents and raised concerns about safety in the city.
For now, Thompson’s death marks a tragic end to the life of a leader at the helm of one of the nation’s most influential healthcare companies, as investigators scramble to uncover the truth behind the attack.
With information from: CBS, NBC, KTVU Fox 2 News
