Manhunt Underway After UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Shot and Killed in Targeted Manhattan Attack
A manhunt is in progress in Manhattan following the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, near the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue early Wednesday morning, according to the NYPD.
Thompson was shot in the back and leg just before 7 a.m. while visiting New York City for an investor conference at the Hilton Hotel. Police described the incident as a "brazen, targeted attack" that appeared premeditated rather than random.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized at a midday press conference, “We will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case.” A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the suspect, who was captured on nearby security cameras.
The suspect is described as a light-skinned male wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack. After shooting Thompson, the suspect fled on foot, later boarding an electric Citi Bike and heading toward Central Park, where he was last seen.
Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West in critical condition and pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
Thompson, who joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. His leadership included overseeing government programs such as Medicare & Retirement and Community & State.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, revealed he had been receiving threats, though details were unclear. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she told NBC. “I’m trying to console my children and make sense of this tragedy.”
The NYPD has urged anyone with information to come forward as the investigation into this high-profile and shocking crime continues.
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