Brian Thompson: New York police hunt gunman who shot dead healthcare executive outside hotel in ‘brazen targeted attack’ | US News
Police in New York are hunting a gunman who shot dead a healthcare executive outside a hotel in what was a “brazen targeted attack”.
Brian Thompson, who had been the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was killed outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
The gunman, who was wearing a face mask, was lying in wait for several minutes before he approached the 50-year-old victim from behind.
He opening fire several times, shooting him in the back.
Police said the weapon jammed during the attack, which happened at around 6.45am local time on Wednesday.
Brian Thompson had been in his role for three years. Pic: UnitedHealthcare/AP
The suspect then fled on foot before getting on an e-bike and was last seen in Central Park.
Mr Thompson was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.
Police are still searching for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 (£7,866) reward for information.
Photos taken from CCTV footage shows a man wearing a grey backpack riding a bicycle, and another photo of the individual appearing to be pointing a gun.
New York City’s police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a “brazen, targeted attack”.
Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said that he had been receiving threats.
Security camera still images showing the shooter reportedly involved in killing of Brian Thompson. Pic: Reuters
“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call to Sky’s US partner network, NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.
The attack happened as the company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors on Wednesday morning in New York City.
It is understood Mr Thompson was due to speak at the conference.
Police officers stand near the scene where the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan. Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” UnitedHealth’s chief executive Sir Andrew Witty said.
Sir Andrew is the former boss of GlaxoSmithKline in the UK.
The suspect was described as using a firearm with a silencer, CNBC reported, citing a person familiar with the incident.
They added the suspect was a white man wearing a black hoodie, black trousers, black trainers with a white trim and a grey rucksack.
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group.
UnitedHealth did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pic: Reuters
There have been no arrests, and the investigation is active and ongoing.
Mr Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
The scene after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York. Pic: AP
He previously served as chief executive of UnitedHealthcare government programmes.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the US and also manages health insurance coverage for employers, and state- and federally funded Medicaid programmes.
The scene of the shooting is a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Centre.
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