UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in Midtown in 'brazen targeted attack'
Thompson's schedule was widely known and police believe the shooting was targeted
MIDTOWN (WABC) -- The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in what police say was a "brazen targeted attack."
Brian Thompson, 50, from Minnesota, was shot around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue between 53rd and 54th streets. He was seen on video leaving his hotel across the street to enter the Hilton several minutes prior, about 6:40 a.m., police say.
He was rushed to Mount Sinai West where he later died.
Thompson was in New York City for an investor conference at the Hilton, which is in the heart of Midtown, and just blocks away from Rockefeller Center.
New York City police are narrowing down a motive for the shooting and believe it could be the result of a grudge against the insurance company.
His schedule was widely known and police believe the shooting was targeted and say it does not appear to be random.
The UnitedHealthcare investor conference was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. and the gunman appears to have arrived hours before that.
The shooter appears to have known which door Thompson was going to enter and was spotted on video at least five minutes prior to the shooting loitering around the hotel. Thompson was approached from behind and shot several times at point blank range at the doorway on West 54th Street, including several rounds in the back and once in the right calf.
Three spent shell casings were found along with three live rounds from a 9mm. At one point the gun appeared to jam. When the suspect cleared the jam, he resumed shooting.
"From watching the video, it does appear he is proficient in the use of firearms, as he was able to clear the malfunction pretty quickly," said NYPD Chief Joseph Kenny.
The gunman is described as 6'1" with a tall, thin build, wearing a black jacket, black hat, black ski mask, and black backpack.
He ran through the midblock Ziegfeld Alleyway and eventually jumped on a bike and rode away into Central Park.
While a suspect has not yet been identified, police believe they have good forensic evidence from a water bottle, candy wrapper and discarded cellphone found near the scene.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information.
The victim's wife, Paulette Thompson, released a statement to ABC:
"We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."
"We are just so sad right now," Elena Reveiz, the sister of Thompson's wife, told ABC News by phone.
Reveiz said she was especially worried about Thompson's two children and called the CEO a good father.
Officials with the NYPD said during a news conference that New Yorkers should go about their daily lives but remain alert. They are using drones and K-9s to help make a quick arrest.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to assist the NYPD with their investigation to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.
"Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice," she said.
UnitedHealthcare's parent company is UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world.
Thompson was promoted to the role of UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021. Thompson had arrived in New York Monday. He was walking into the Hilton alone without a security detail, police said.
UnitedHealthcare executives addressed the investor conference on the second floor of the hotel, which was just getting ready to start as news of the shooting spread. The company quickly cancelled the day's itinerary.
UnitedHealth Group today issued the following statement:
"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a statement on the "terrible loss."
"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team."
ALSO READ | New details on stowaway who allegedly snuck onto NYC Delta flight to Paris
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
