UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot, Killed in Bold NYC Ambush; Police Hunt for Killer Still At Large
MANHATTAN, NY — New York authorities are conducting a citywide manhunt following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on Wednesday morning in what police have described as a "brazen targeted attack." The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Avenue of the Americas, where Thompson was preparing for the company’s annual investor conference.
Thompson, 50, was shot twice—once in the back and once in the leg—before succumbing to his injuries at Mount Sinai West hospital. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the gunman appeared to have waited for Thompson near the hotel entrance before opening fire. The suspect, described as a white male wearing a black hooded jacket and carrying a gray backpack, fled the scene on a Citi Bike and was last seen entering Central Park.
“This was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” Tisch said during a press conference. “The NYPD will not rest until the suspect is apprehended.”
The assailant used a handgun, which reportedly malfunctioned during the attack, though the shooter quickly cleared the jam and resumed firing. Authorities recovered three live rounds and three spent shell casings from the scene. Surveillance footage released by the police shows the suspect aiming his weapon before fleeing on the bike.
Family and Colleagues Respond
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, confirmed that her husband had received threats prior to the shooting, though she was unclear on the details. “There had been some threats, maybe related to lack of coverage,” she said.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, expressed its shock and sorrow in a statement. “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,” the company said.
The investor conference was abruptly canceled following the shooting. Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, addressed attendees as news spread, describing the situation as a "very serious medical event."
Public Reaction
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, where UnitedHealthcare is headquartered, called the news “horrifying,” adding, “This is a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota.” Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the sentiment, calling Thompson’s death “shocking” and expressing condolences to his family and colleagues.
Mayor Eric Adams reassured New Yorkers that the shooting was not random, describing it as a "targeted murder" and vowing the city’s full cooperation in the investigation.
Investigation Ongoing
Detectives are working to determine a motive for the attack, including analyzing threats Thompson had reportedly received. Investigators are also using GPS tracking data from Citi Bike to locate the suspect. The NYPD is interviewing witnesses, employees, and family members and coordinating with Minnesota law enforcement.
The shooting comes just hours before the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, located four blocks from the scene. NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey confirmed that the event will proceed as planned with a heightened security presence.
The NYPD and Crime Stoppers have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the gunman’s arrest.
Additional news coverage on this, from other local networks, can be found at the following sources:
The New York Times, "Police Hunt for Gunman After UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed in Midtown Manhattan," published on December 4, 2024. Available online.
CNN, "Gunman at large after UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in ‘brazen targeted attack,’ police say," published on December 4, 2024. Available online.
New York Post, "UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot outside Hilton hotel in Midtown in targeted attack: cops," published on December 4, 2024. Available online.
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