The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot in what police said appears to be a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
Brian Thompson, 50, was outside the hotel on Sixth Avenue when the suspect shot him in the chest and leg around 6:46 a.m., according to CNBC and a spokesperson for the New York City Police Department.
The shooting was first reported by the New York Post.
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West.
His wife, Paulette Thompson, said that he had been receiving threats.
“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call to 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.”
She said police told her it appears the shooting was “a planned attack.”
“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.
As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made, police said. Crime Stoppers was offering a $10,000 reward for information.
A person familiar with the matter told CNBC that the suspect was wearing a black hoodie and black pants and was carrying a gray backpack. It’s believed the suspect used a firearm with a silencer.
A food cart vendor near the scene told NBC News that he did not hear any gunshots but saw police vehicles and two helicopters in the area.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company, was holding its annual investor conference Wednesday morning in New York City but abruptly ended it due to a “very serious medical situation” with a team member.
Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to his biography page. He joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
He previously served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. He was also the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.
UnitedHealth Group said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” over Thompson’s death.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Gabriella Rudy, Polly DeFrank and Steve Kopack contributed.
