The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the the USâs largest health insurers, was reportedly fatally shot in the chest on Wednesday in midtown Manhattan, according to multiple reports.
Brian Thompson, 50, was reportedly shot outside the Hilton Hotel at 1335 Avenue of the Americas just after 6.45am after arriving early for the annual UnitedHealthcare investor conference. A man wearing a mask approached him and fired at him repeatedly, according to the New York Post.
When police arrived, the victim was unconscious with a gunshot wound to his chest, police told the Guardian. He was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police told the New York Times that they believe that Thompson was targeted in the attack. The outlet also noted that the gunman reportedly knew which door Thompson was going to enter and shot him several times from mere feet away, then fled.
UnitedHealthcare did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.
The UnitedHealth Group was scheduled to host its annual investor conference for analysts and institutional investors in New York City on Wednesday, beginning at 8.00am local time.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown told the Guardian: âWe are deeply saddened by this morningâs events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedyâ and directed any further questions the New York police department.
Officials have said that no arrests have been made yet and that the investigation is ongoing.
Police are searching for the gunman, who fled the scene on foot before jumping on a bicycle and pedaling away, according to the New York Times. The gunman was reportedly wearing a cream-colored jacket, a black face mask and a gray backpack.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the incident, told ABC News he heard âthe shotâ adding: âIt was silent gun, black gunâ. He said he saw the shooter running across the street and tried to take a picture but he was too far away.
âI was shocked,â Abdelmula said. He said he was afraid of being shot too, adding: âI saw everything.â
Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to the company. Prior to this role, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs including medicare and retirement and community and state. Before leading government programs, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare medicare and retirement.
Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, called the shooting âhorrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesotaâ in a statement on Wednesday.
âMinnesota is sending our prayers to Brianâs family and the UnitedHealthcare teamâ Walz added.
