UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in New York City – reports

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the the US’s 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 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. He was rushed to hospital, 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: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy” 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.

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 “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota” in a statement on Wednesday.

“Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team” Walz added.