UnitedHealthcare CEO shot dead in New York by masked man; suspect still at large

Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance unit, was fatally shot Wednesday (December 4) morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan in what authorities suspect was a targeted attack.

The incident occurred around 6:46 am as Thompson arrived early for a conference. A masked assailant, described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and black and white sneakers, approached Thompson and fired multiple shots before fleeing eastbound on a bicycle, according to police sources cited by the New York Post.

Investigators told CNN that the gunman was waiting in the area for some time before Thompson’s arrival.

Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West hospital in critical condition and was later pronounced dead.

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There are no arrests at this time, and the investigation is active and ongoing. The identification of the victim is pending proper family notification, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said.

UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, was hosting its annual investor conference at the hotel. The group’s CEO Andrew Witty abruptly ended the event, saying “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today.”

Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. He previously led the company’s government programs, including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State divisions.

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Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the NYPD as the search for the suspect continues.

With inputs from agencies