Police say the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of major insurance company UnitedHealthcare, “does not appear to be a random act.”
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, was shot and killed in New York in what authorities say was a “targeted” attack.
Thompson was fatally shot around 6:40 a.m. (11:40 GMT) Wednesday as he headed to the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a suit and tie, to attend an investor meeting of the company.
He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters at a news conference. “It appears the suspect had been waiting for several minutes.”
Tisch also described the killing in a social media post as “a brazen, targeted attack” and said police “will not rest until we apprehend the shooter.”
At the early stages of our investigation, this appears to be a brazen and targeted attack – it does not appear to be a random act of violence.
The NYPD’s full investigation is ongoing and we will not rest until we apprehend the shooter.
We are currently asking… https://t.co/qnllIxo1Zc
–Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) December 4, 2024
UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group and provides care to 148 million people in the United States and South America, according to the company’s website.
Thompson had worked for the Minnesota-based company since 2004 and was named chief executive officer in April 2021.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement.
“Brian was a colleague and friend well respected by all who worked with him. We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also called Thompson’s killing a “horrific, targeted shooting,” while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said it was a ” terrible loss to Minnesota’s business and healthcare communities.”
After the shooting, police tape blocked off the area of 54th Street outside the Hilton, where blue plastic gloves were scattered and plastic cups appeared to mark the locations of several bullet casings.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including videos. “It appears to be clearly targeted by an individual, and we are going to apprehend that individual,” he said.
Reporting from New York on Wednesday afternoon, Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey said police were speaking to Thompson’s co-workers and family to try to establish a motive.
Surveillance footage showed the suspected shooter — a white man seen carrying a gray backpack — leaving on foot then jumping on an electric bike and riding through Central Park, Saloomey said.
“They are asking for the public’s help at this point, offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with information that could lead to an arrest in this case,” she said.