UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed in Targeted Shooting Outside NYC Hotel
New York City – Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan in what police are calling a "premeditated, preplanned targeted attack."
The shooting occurred Wednesday morning as Thompson, 50, was walking toward the hotel to attend UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference. The gunman, masked and lying in wait, ambushed Thompson from behind, firing multiple shots before fleeing the scene, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a press conference.
Security footage captured the chilling attack. Thompson, dressed in a blue suit, is seen walking when the assailant approaches from behind and fires, hitting him in the back and the right calf. After Thompson collapses, the gunman attempts to clear a malfunction in his weapon before firing additional shots, according to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
Thompson was rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
Ominous Evidence at the Scene
Investigators revealed a disturbing detail: shell casings recovered from the scene had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” written on them. These cryptic markings, combined with Thompson’s high-profile role as CEO of the nation’s largest health insurance company, have fueled speculation about the shooter’s motive.
Police say they are still working to determine why Thompson was targeted. “At this point, we do not know why,” Kenny said.
History of Threats
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, confirmed that her husband had been aware of threats against him. Despite this, Thompson did not travel with a security detail.
Public and Corporate Reaction
UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing shock and grief over Thompson’s death, calling him “an exceptional leader” and “a cherished colleague.” The company vowed to support law enforcement in their investigation.
Residents and employees in the busy Midtown area, stunned by the brazen nature of the attack, have been urging authorities to find the gunman, who remains at large.
The NYPD is appealing to the public for tips, with Commissioner Tisch emphasizing that this was a targeted attack. “We are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator of this heinous crime to justice,” she said.
