Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, was fatally shot early Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan. The shocking incident, described by police as a “brazen, targeted attack,” occurred just outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where Thompson was scheduled to attend an investor event later that day.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, all evidence points to this being a premeditated act. Officers responded to a call at approximately 6:48 a.m. and discovered Thompson on the sidewalk outside the hotel with gunshot wounds to his back and leg. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after 7 a.m.
Witnesses and police reports revealed chilling details about the incident. The assailant, described as a light-skinned male carrying a distinctive gray backpack, allegedly waited for several minutes before ambushing Thompson. The gunman, armed with a weapon fitted with a silencer, fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene. Authorities believe the suspect initially escaped on foot and later used an electronic bike, which was last seen heading into Central Park. Investigators also recovered a mobile phone and noted that the bike had GPS capabilities, which could aid in tracking the suspect’s movements.
Thompson’s sudden and violent death has left his colleagues, family, and the healthcare industry in shock. UnitedHealth Group expressed deep sadness in a statement, calling Thompson “a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.” The company has pledged full cooperation with the New York Police Department as the investigation continues.
Brian Thompson was a key figure at UnitedHealth Group, having joined the company in 2004. Over the years, he held multiple leadership positions, including roles in corporate development and as the finance chief for the Medicare and retirement division. Since 2021, he had been serving as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which is the largest health insurer in the United States and contributes approximately 75% of UnitedHealth Group’s total revenue.
Thompson’s passing has not only stunned his colleagues but also disrupted business operations. UnitedHealth canceled its investor meeting, which had begun shortly after the tragic event. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, informed attendees of the cancellation, citing the “serious medical situation” involving a team member. Thompson had been scheduled to address the event later that day alongside other executives.
The New York Police Department has launched an extensive manhunt for the suspect. They are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest. Despite the ongoing investigation, officials stated that there was no indication of any broader security threat to the city. The planned Christmas tree lighting at nearby Rockefeller Center proceeded as scheduled, albeit with an increased police presence.
This tragedy has resonated far beyond UnitedHealth Group. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar described the incident as a “horrifying and shocking act of violence” in a post on social media. Thompson, who was based in Minnesota, leaves behind a legacy of leadership and innovation in the healthcare industry.
UnitedHealth Group is one of the largest healthcare companies in the United States, with a market value of $566 billion and nearly $372 billion in revenue last year. The company’s UnitedHealthcare division, under Thompson’s leadership, played a significant role in its success, making his loss even more impactful for the organization.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together clues to determine the motive behind this targeted attack. The use of a silencer and the deliberate nature of the ambush suggest careful planning, but no clear motive has been established yet. The tragic event has left many questions unanswered, and the healthcare industry mourns the loss of a visionary leader whose contributions shaped one of the most influential organizations in the sector.