UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot Dead in Midtown Manhattan, Masked Shooter on the Loose
Brian Thompson, CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare, was shot at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning before heading to an investor conference, police say.
The masked gunman, who remains at large, appeared to be waiting and shot Thompson several times from behind, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
The shooting, reported around 6:40 a.m., appears to be a “brazen and targeted attack” and “premeditated,” Tisch stressed. But the motive remains unknown, police said.
ABC News obtained this photo of the suspect.
Obtained by ABC News
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a statement that she was “broken” by the “senseless murder.”
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous and talented man who lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said. “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and he will be greatly missed.”
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
UnitedHealth Group via AP
Thompson, 50, was in New York for UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference, which was scheduled to start at 8 a.m., and his schedule was widely known, law enforcement sources said.
The conference was being held at the Hilton, outside which he was shot, but he was not staying there, sources said. The hotel is located at the intersection of West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Police investigators at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in an apparently targeted attack while he was on his way to UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference in New York on December 4 2024.
Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock
The shooter arrived on the scene about five minutes before Thompson arrived, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at the news conference.
“People passed the suspect, but he seemed to be waiting for his target,” Tisch said.
Members of the New York Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot, on December 4, 2024, in New York.
Stefan Jérémie/AP
After Thompson left his hotel across the street and walked to the Hilton for the investor conference, the gunman got on the sidewalk behind a car and shot the CEO in the back, a Kenny said.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues shooting. It appears the gun is malfunctioning, so he clears the jam and begins shooting again,” he said.
A New York police officer stands outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot, December 4, 2024, in New York.
Stefan Jérémie/AP
The suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was found, Kenny said. He then fled on an electric bike and was last seen entering Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said.
The bikes are equipped with GPS and police track them, Kenny said.
Thompson arrived in New York on Monday. Police are interviewing Thompson’s co-workers and family about any potential specific threats, Kenny said.
Thompson left his hotel alone and did not appear to have a security guard, police said.
A member of the New York City Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York, December 4, 2024.
Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the world’s largest health insurer, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. »
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all his loved ones.”
Police cover up evidence with paper cups as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was shot while entering the New York Hilton on December 4, 2024 in New York.
Kyle Mazza/shutterstock
Thompson lived in Minnesota, where the company is based.
“This is horrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care community,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted. “Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
Police are urging the public to call Crime Stoppers with any information.
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.
ABC News’ Mark Crudele contributed to this report.
