Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically killed on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, in Midtown Manhattan. The 50-year-old executive was fatally shot near the Hilton hotel while en route to UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference.
Details of the Incident
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, an unknown gunman approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple rounds, striking him in the back and calf. Despite immediate efforts to save him, Thompson was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
Surveillance footage obtained by NBC revealed chilling details of the attack. The gunman, dressed in a black hoodie and pants, with a gray backpack, waited for several minutes before targeting Thompson, who was dressed in a blue suit. As Thompson fell to the ground, the attacker continued firing, even clearing a jammed firearm mid-assault. Investigators believe the weapon was equipped with a silencer, further pointing to the premeditated nature of the crime.
Police recovered significant evidence at the scene, including three live 9 mm rounds, three discharged shell casings, and a cell phone. The suspect fled on foot before switching to a rental bike and was last seen entering Central Park.
A Premeditated Attack
Law enforcement authorities have described the incident as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.” While the motive remains unclear, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, mentioned that her husband had recently received threats, though she was uncertain of the specifics.
“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,” Paulette shared.
Remembering Brian Thompson
In the wake of this devastating loss, Thompson’s family described him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” while requesting privacy during their mourning.
UnitedHealth Group, in a statement, expressed shock and sadness over Thompson’s untimely death. The company called him a “respected colleague and friend” and pledged full cooperation with the NYPD’s ongoing investigation. They also extended heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones.
A Legacy of Leadership
Brian Thompson’s professional achievements were significant, underscoring his impact on the healthcare industry. According to his LinkedIn profile, Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and rose through the ranks, becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. In his role, he oversaw a global workforce of nearly 140,000 employees and played a critical part in advancing the company’s vision for better healthcare access.
