Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot early Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan in what authorities are calling a “brazen, targeted attack.” The incident occurred as
Thompson was en route to the company’s annual investor conference, leaving law enforcement and the public stunned. The suspect remains at large.
Shortly before 7 a.m., a masked gunman, seemingly undeterred by the freezing weather, ambushed Thompson near West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue. According to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the gunman appeared to lie in wait for his target, pointing to a deliberate and premeditated act.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said in a press conference. “Every indication is that this was a preplanned, targeted attack.”
Thompson, 54, was shot twice—once in the back and once in the right calf. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Suspect Fled on E-Bike
The shooter fled the scene, initially on foot before switching to an e-bike, and was last seen heading toward Central Park. Police are conducting an extensive search and have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
A law enforcement official revealed that the weapon used was outfitted with a silencer, further pointing to the calculated nature of the crime. The motive remains unclear, though Thompson’s wife, Paulette, disclosed to NBC News that her husband had previously received threats. She mentioned that the threats might have been linked to dissatisfaction over insurance coverage but did not provide further details.
“There had been some threats,” Paulette Thompson said. “I don’t know all the details, but he had mentioned people who were upset.”
Paulette declined to elaborate further when contacted by CNN but expressed her devastation. “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,” she said. “Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
A Shocking Loss for UnitedHealthcare
Thompson had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, leading one of the largest health insurers in the country. The company is a division of UnitedHealth Group, which ranks as the fourth-largest company in the U.S. by revenue, according to the Fortune 500.
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty called Thompson “a truly extraordinary person,” adding, “Brian’s contributions to our company and the people we serve were immeasurable.”
A City on Edge
The attack occurred just blocks from Rockefeller Center, where crowds were gathering for the annual Christmas tree lighting event later that evening. Investigators are combing through surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, though no gunshots were reported by those nearby, possibly due to the silencer.
The incident has left many in shock, with police working tirelessly to piece together the details of this chilling and deliberate act. Commissioner Tisch vowed that the NYPD would not rest until the perpetrator is apprehended.
The investigation continues, and police urge anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers. Photo by Krokodyl, Wikimedia commons.
