Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton Midtown, just moments before he was set to deliver a keynote address at an investor conference. The 50-year-old executive, known for his leadership at UnitedHealth Group, was ambushed while walking towards the hotel. Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment when a white man, dressed in a hooded jacket, black face mask, and sneakers, approached Thompson from behind and opened fire.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the gunman used a semi-automatic handgun fitted with a silencer, firing multiple rounds in the bustling Midtown Manhattan area. The first shots hit Thompson in the back and leg, causing him to stagger and collapse. Despite the gun jamming on three separate occasions, the suspect cleared the firearm and continued his attack. After confirming that Thompson had been incapacitated, the shooter calmly walked away and fled the scene on an electric bike, heading toward Central Park.
Officers arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call and found Thompson critically injured on the sidewalk. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from his wounds.
Surveillance footage revealed that the suspect had been loitering near the area before the shooting, blending in with the morning crowd. At 6:17 am, he was seen at a Starbucks purchasing water and power bars while wearing a surgical mask. Investigators later recovered a water bottle and a phone discarded in an alley close to the crime scene. These items are now being examined for potential evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, which could lead to the shooter’s identification.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, expressed deep shock and sorrow in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Brian Thompson. His leadership, kindness, and dedication to our mission will never be forgotten.”
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, described the attack as “senseless” and revealed that her husband had received previous threats, although the motives behind the shooting remain unclear.
The NYPD has released images of the suspect and is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to his capture. Authorities have described the gunman as a white male in his 30s or 40s, wearing a gray backpack, black-and-white sneakers, and a hooded jacket. The investigation continues, with police working around the clock to bring the suspect to justice.
