New York City police have launched an intense manhunt for a masked suspect who fatally shot Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a brazen attack described by authorities as “targeted and premeditated.” The shocking incident unfolded outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, where Brian Thompson had been scheduled to address an investor conference.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and leg around 6:45 a.m. EST (11:45 GMT) in one of Manhattan’s busiest districts. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the father of two was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The assailant fled the scene without taking any of Brian Thompson’s belongings, leaving investigators puzzled over the motive.
Timeline of the Attack
Investigators revealed that the suspect, clad in a black face mask and cream jacket, appeared to have been lying in wait for Brian Thompson outside the Hilton Hotel. Surveillance footage captured the assailant lingering near the hotel entrance for approximately five minutes before the attack.
When Brian Thompson arrived alone on foot, the suspect stepped out from behind a parked car and fired at him with a silenced weapon. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that the gun briefly malfunctioned, but the assailant swiftly resolved the issue and continued firing. The suspect fled on foot before commandeering an e-bike and disappearing near Central Park.
CCTV cameras and police drones have since provided crucial leads. Earlier footage showed the shooter at a Starbucks two blocks away, moments before the attack. Despite the suspect’s use of a mask and silencer, police believe these technological resources will be instrumental in tracking him down.
Motive and Ongoing Investigations
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the attack was “premeditated and deliberate.” Authorities are investigating potential motives, including recent threats Brian Thompson had reportedly received. His wife, Paulette Brian Thompson, told NBC News that her husband had mentioned threats related to medical coverage disputes.
Adding complexity to the case, Brian Thompson was named in a lawsuit earlier this year alleging fraud and insider trading. UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, expressed its grief in a statement, describing Brian Thompson as a “highly respected colleague and friend.” The company has since canceled its investor conference in light of the tragedy.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged her support for law enforcement efforts, stating, “We are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
Legacy of Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson’s career trajectory was marked by significant achievements. Beginning as a certified public accountant, he joined United Healthcare in 2004 and rose to the position of CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, the company solidified its status as the largest private health insurer in the U.S. Last year, Thompson earned $10.2 million, reflecting his influence in the industry.
Brian Thompson is survived by his wife and two children, who live in a Minneapolis suburb. In a heartfelt family statement, they described him as “an incredibly loving, generous, and talented man who touched so many lives.
The loss of Brian Thompson, a key figure in the healthcare industry, has sent shockwaves across corporate America. Former NYPD detective Felipe Rodriguez told CBS News, “The precision and professionalism of the attack suggest the suspect was highly skilled with firearms, making this case all the more alarming.”
As the investigation intensifies, the NYPD has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. For now, Midtown Manhattan remains on edge, awaiting justice for a senseless act of violence that has stunned the city and the nation.
