Brian Thompson: United Healthcare CEO fatally shot outside Manhattan hotel

The head of a US medical insurance giant was gunned down in New York City in what police describe as a “brazen, targeted attack”.

UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson was fatally shot in the back on Wednesday morning 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 also was shot in the leg, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead minutes after the attack, officials said.

Investigators said they did not know the motive of the masked suspect, who fled the scene without taking any of the victim’s belongings. Police have offered a $10,000 (£7,800) reward.

The attack unfolded at about 06:45 EST (11:45 GMT) in one of the busiest parts of Manhattan, close to the tourist magnets of Times Square and Central Park, in an area where shootings are extremely rare.

Police drones, helicopters and dogs and thousands of CCTV cameras are combing the city street by street in an effort to trace the assailant.

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 alone on foot at the Hilton, the shooter stepped on to the pavement from behind a car and shot him in the back.

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

CCTV footage of the attack shows the suspect used a silencer on the weapon as he opened fire, police say.

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.

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.”

Felipe Rodriguez, a former NYPD detective, told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that he was “amazed” by the attack.

“The fact that he [the suspect] was able to clear these jambs in such an efficient manner shows that he is very proficient with firearms,” he said.

“It shows the level of detail that he went through to make sure that he was able to escape from the scene.”

Thompson, who lived in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was named chief executive of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He made $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 is scheduled for Wednesday evening not far from the crime scene.

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