Topline
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot in Manhattan early Wednesday morning outside of a company meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown, in what police reportedly believe is a targeted shooting.
Brian Thompson
Key Facts
Thompson was shot in the chest just before 7 a.m. and was rushed to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, according to several news outlets, citing a police report.
Police reportedly believe the attack was targeted, according to multiple reports: The gunman was waiting for some time before Thompson’s arrival, CNN reported, and the attacker knew which door Thompson was going to use, unnamed sources told The New York Times.
Officers are still looking for the alleged attacker, who fled on a bike after shooting Thompson from a few feet away, the Times said.
The suspect was described as a white man wearing a cream-colored coat and black and white sneakers, who had a gray backpack and a black face mask, according to Bloomberg.
The police is offering $10,000 to anyone with information related to Thompson’s death, and will release flyers with photos of the suspect holding a firearm and on a bike, the Times said.
UnitedHealth Group was holding a meeting for investors at the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday, which was halted abruptly after UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said the company was “dealing with a very serious medical situation,” according to Bloomberg.
Who Is Brian Thompson?
Thompson, 50, was named chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest US private health insurers, in April 2021, after joining parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004. Before taking on the chief executive mantle, he oversaw the company’s Medicare and retirement programs, according to his LinkedIn page. He worked in Minnetonka, Minn. Thompson previously worked at PwC and attended the University of Iowa.
Crucial Quote
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on X.
Tangent
“He was a good person and I am so sad,” Elena Reveiz, Thompson’s sister, told the Times. She added she was still processing the news, and said Thompson was a good father to his two children.
Forbes will update this breaking news report when new details emerge.
