**UnitedHealthcare CEO Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack Outside New York Hilton**
Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically killed in what authorities are calling a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” outside the New York Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
Thompson was en route to deliver a presentation at UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference when a gunman approached him from behind and opened fire, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The assailant fired multiple rounds, striking Thompson at least once in the back and once in the right calf. Tisch noted that the suspect had been “lying in wait for several minutes” before the attack.
“Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said during a press briefing.
### Surveillance Footage Reveals Chilling Details
Security footage captured the moments leading up to the shooting. Thompson, dressed in a blue suit, was seen walking down a quiet street when the gunman approached from behind and began firing. The video shows Thompson stumbling forward as a bystander runs for safety. The shooter continued firing as Thompson collapsed to the ground.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the suspect arrived at the scene approximately five minutes before the attack. “The shooter fired a shot at Thompson’s back, then walked toward him and continued to shoot. It appears the gun malfunctioned at one point, but the suspect cleared the jam and resumed firing,” Kenny explained.
Investigators recovered three live 9 mm rounds, three discharged shell casings, and a cellphone near the scene. Kenny emphasized that the attack appeared to be targeted, though the motive remains unclear. “Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted,” he said. “But at this point, we do not know why.”
### Family Reveals Prior Threats
Thompson, a Minnesota resident, was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West hospital. His wife, Paulette Thompson, disclosed that her husband had been receiving threats. “There had been some threats,” she told NBC News. “I don’t know all the details, but he mentioned that some people had been threatening him.” She added that police informed her the shooting appeared to be a “planned attack.”
### Suspect Fled on Foot and Bike
The shooter fled the scene on foot before escaping on a New York Citi Bike. He was last seen heading into Central Park, according to Tisch. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests had been made. Police described the suspect as wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a gray backpack. Authorities believe the assailant used a firearm equipped with a silencer, a source told CNBC. Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
A food cart vendor near the scene reported not hearing any gunshots but noticed a significant police presence and helicopters in the area shortly after the incident.
### UnitedHealth Group Cancels Investor Conference
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, abruptly ended its annual investor conference following the tragedy, citing a “very serious medical situation” involving a team member. In a statement, the company expressed its grief over Thompson’s death.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragic loss,” the statement read. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
### Thompson’s Legacy
Brian Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, having joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004. He previously served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s government programs, including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. He also held the position of CEO for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette, and their two sons.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, and the search for the suspect remains ongoing.
Source: nbcnews.com