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Tragic Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, was tragically shot and killed in a targeted attack in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, as confirmed by local police officials during a press conference.
Brian Thompson, aged 50, was shot multiple times outside the Hilton Hotel located at 1335 Avenue of the Americas shortly after 6:45 a.m., shortly after arriving for the annual UnitedHealthcare investor conference. Witnesses report that a masked assailant approached Thompson and opened fire.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as a “brazen targeted attack” and emphasized that it did not appear to be a random act of violence. She stated, “Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack.”
Detective Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives for the New York Police Department, relayed that Thompson was discovered on the sidewalk in front of the Hilton, suffering from gunshot wounds to his back and leg. Emergency responders rushed him to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Investigators noted that the gunman was present on foot prior to Thompson’s arrival, with surveillance footage capturing Thompson walking alone towards the hotel at 6:44 a.m. Video evidence shows the gunman, who seemed to disregard other pedestrians, approach Thompson from behind and shoot him multiple times at close range.
Reports indicate that after the initial shots, the gunman’s weapon malfunctioned, prompting him to clear the jam before fleeing the scene. He is believed to have escaped on an electric Citi Bike, pedaling north on the Avenue of the Americas towards Central Park.
Authorities recovered three live nine-millimeter rounds along with three discharged shell casings at the crime scene, as well as a cellphone believed to belong to the shooter.
Describing the suspect, police officials characterized him as a light-skinned male wearing a light-brown or cream jacket, a black mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack. Law enforcement is actively searching for the shooter and is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest, as detailed in a newly released flyer featuring images from surveillance footage.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and while the investigation proceeds, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The New York Times reported that the gunman seemed to have knowledge of Thompson’s movements, firing multiple shots from a close distance before fleeing.
In response to the incident, UnitedHealthcare expressed its grief through a statement, stating: “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. He was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.” The organization is collaborating closely with the New York Police Department during this tragic time.
On Wednesday, as the company prepared for its annual investor conference, flags at buildings associated with UnitedHealthcare were flown at half-mast. The atmosphere was somber, with a police presence outside the premises. A spokesman for the New York Hilton Midtown expressed their sympathies, calling the events “deeply saddening” and urged anyone with queries to contact the police.
Eyewitness Amar Abdelmula recounted hearing the shots and described the chaos that ensued, expressing his shock over the incident. He feared for his own safety as he witnessed the shooter fleeing the scene.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the attack was not random, stating, “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual, and we will apprehend that individual.”
Thompson, who became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, had a long and distinguished career within the company, taking on various leadership roles since joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz referred to the shooting as “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota,” sending prayers to Thompson’s family and colleagues.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed her condolences, calling the act of violence “horrifying and shocking” and extending her thoughts to Thompson’s loved ones and colleagues.
Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, spoke to the New York Times shortly after the news broke, reflecting on her deep sadness over his death. She highlighted his kindness and devotion as a father to his two children.
Source
www.theguardian.com