UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot to Death in Midtown Manhattan, Law Enforcement Says

() – The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was a “brazen and targeted attack,” New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters Wednesday, noting that the gunman was “lying in wait.” for several minutes while he anticipated his objective.

“The New York City Police Department’s investigative efforts are underway and we will not rest until the shooter is identified and apprehended,” said Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

NYPD Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning in an apparent targeted attack as he prepared to attend the company’s annual investor conference, a law enforcement official told . . The gunman is still at large.

Brian Thompson walked to the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a suit and tie, to attend the annual UnitedHealthcare investor conference being held in the ballroom.

A gunman, masked because of the frigid temperatures, waited about 10 minutes before Thompson’s arrival before opening fire several times, hitting Thompson from about 20 feet away, investigators told .

The gunman fled, crossed an alley and got on a bicycle, the official told . Investigators continue to investigate the area. Police currently believe the suspect fled toward Central Park.

The shooting occurred in Midtown Manhattan, at West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue.

The manager of a parking lot across the street from the hotel told that he was inside the parking lot’s office at the time of the shooting and did not hear gunshots.

The suspect shot Thompson with what appeared to be a silencer, according to a law enforcement official.

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department,” a general manager at the New York Hilton Midtown told , noting that Thompson was not registered as a guest at the hotel.

Details about the circumstances are not immediately clear, but investigators say it appears to be a targeted shooting. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD said. Police are expected to give a briefing on the incident at 11.30am.

Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, the largest insurance company in the United States and one of the largest companies in the country, period: UnitedHealth Group is the fourth largest company in the United States. United by income ranking, according to the annual Fortune 500 list.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, abruptly ended its scheduled conference Wednesday morning, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” a statement from UnitedHealth Group states. “Brian was a colleague and friend highly respected by 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 deepest condolences to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”

Minnesota Governor and former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz called Thompson’s death “a terrible loss to the Minnesota business and healthcare community.”

“This is a horrific and scandalous act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and everyone who works at United Healthcare in Minnesota,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a post on X Wednesday morning.

“I am horrified by the murder of my constituent, Brian Thompson, this morning in New York and I keep his family in my prayers,” wrote Congressman Dean Phillips of Minnesota’s 3rd District.

‘s John Miller, David Goldman and Brynn Gingras reported from New York. Amanda Musa and Rebekah Riess reported and wrote from Atlanta.