Brian Thompson: United Healthcare CEO fatally shot outside Manhattan hotel

The chief executive of US medical insurance giant UnitedHealthcare has been gunned down in New York City in what police describe as a “brazen, targeted attack”.

Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the back just before 07:00 EST (midday GMT) on Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where he had been scheduled to speak at an investor conference later in the day.

The 50-year-old, who was also shot in the leg, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead minutes after the attack, officials said.

A masked suspect fled the scene and remains at large, with police offering a $10,000 (£7,800) reward.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told a news conference: “Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.”

The suspect, who was wearing a white face mask and cream jacket, appeared to be waiting for Thompson for five minutes outside the hotel, police said.

When Thompson arrived at the Hilton the shooter stepped on to the pavement from behind a car and shot him from behind.

The victim had been staying at another hotel, the Marriott, down the road, according to police sources.

The suspect fled the scene first on foot before grabbing an e-bike and heading towards Central Park, where he was last seen, Commissioner Tisch said.

Investigators said they did not know the suspect’s motive. No belongings were taken from Thompson, they added.

The victim’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a phone call with NBC News that her husband had been receiving threats.

“There had been some threats,” she said. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of [medical] coverage? I don’t know details.

“I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

Mrs Thompson added: “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said police had briefed her on the “horrific and targeted” shooting.

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice,” she said in a statement.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, said it was “deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague”.

“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the group said in a statement.

“We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

Thompson was named chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He earned $10.2m last year.

He started at the health insurance provider in 2004, and has held multiple leadership roles, including CEO of the company’s government programmes division.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest private insurer in the US.

Its parent company, UnitedHealth Group, cancelled its investor conference after the shooting.

“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation,” UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said at the event.

A Hilton Hotels spokesperson said the company was “deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy”.

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting was due to take place on Wednesday evening not far from the crime scene.

The event will still go ahead, but with a “massive police presence”, officials said.