Manhunt Underway After UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in New York City: Police say that shooting ‘was a premeditated, targeted attack.’
New York City police are looking for three suspects in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday morning, an attack police are calling a “premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.” In Manhattan’s Times Square, Thompson was till she was shot just before 7 a.m. near the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue by an unidentified man.
Police Search for Suspect: $10,000 Reward Offered
NYPD has since launched an in-depth hunt for the shooter, offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. However, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attack was a ‘brazen’ attack that did not seem to be ‘random violence’.
That description came after New York City Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the suspect, whom security cameras in nearby neighbourhoods caught. The shooter is a light-skinned male wearing a light brown or cream-coloured jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive grey backpack. Minutes before Thompson was due to attend an 8 a.m. investor conference at the Hilton hotel, the suspect turned up at the scene on foot, authorities said.
The Attack: This was a Cold, Calculated Act of Violence.
Police said the shooter shot Thompson in the back and leg from behind before running away. After that, the suspect got onto an electric CitiBike and rode toward Central Park, where he was last seen. NYPD officials are frantically trying to find the person who committed the attack.
Commissioner Tisch said at a midday press conference that “we will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter.” “This was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack,” he said.
Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer, Loses injuries.
Thompson, who was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition, was later pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the corporate world; for example, UnitedHealth Group has cancelled its planned investor event for now.
UnitedHealth Group deeply mourned Thompson, a ‘dear friend and colleague,’ in a statement. As investigations continue, the company has said it will cooperate fully with the NYPD.
UnitedHealth Group’s Thompson Legacy
Brian Thompson was appointed CEO in April 2021. He had most recently led the company’s government programs, such as Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. He had been with UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, since 2004. Under his leadership, UnitedHealth Group was named the 8th largest company in the world by Fortune’s list of the 500 largest companies in 2024.
Personal Tragedy: Threats Reported
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said her husband had been threatened in the past, but she did not know any details. In an emotional interview with NBC, Paulette said she was devastated as she told NBC of the loss: ‘I just found this out, and I’m trying to console my children.’
Lawmakers and Community Reactions
The murder Tuesday of Brian Thompson has induced widespread shock and condolences from political leaders and the people of the community. The attack was a horrifying and shocking act of violence,’ Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a statement.
This is a tremendous loss, and I’m deeply saddened by it. Klobuchar said on X, “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working with UnitedHealthcare in Minnesota.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also commented, “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota.” I know that Minnesota joins me in sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
The following steps are the steps that we’re taking to investigate.
NYPD officials are appealing to the public for any information that may help the NYPD identify the shooter as the police force investigates the shooting. Anyone with information is being asked to come forward and help bring justice for Thompson and his family.
The UnitedHealthcare community and the wider public have been unable to bury this tragic incident, with many still reeling with shock over such a senseless act of violence. The hunt for the killer continues to be a top priority for law enforcement as the investigation continues.
