Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare CEO, shot dead in New York
The executive was preparing to participate in a conference with investors at a Manhattan hotel when he was killed. The insurance group is ranked fifth on the Fortune 500 list
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance division of healthcare giant UnitedHealthcare Group — one of the largest and most valuable companies in the world — was shot in the middle of Manhattan early Wednesday morning. The executive — who police say was shot in the chest — was taken to a hospital in the city, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect fled the scene, and police say no arrests have been made.
The shooting occurred when Thompson, 50, arrived at the Sixth Avenue Hilton shortly before 7 a.m. to attend a conference with company investors, and a man in a black mask — who had apparently been waiting for him — fired several shots. Police are calling the murder a targeted attack. The suspect, dress in all-black clothing, fled the scene. “There is still no motive,” a NYPD spokesman said. The attacker opened fire from just 20 feet away, shooting several times and hitting Thompson.
Inside the hotel, UnitedHealth executives continued their presentations until 9:10 a.m., when the company addressed the crowd. “We are facing a very serious medical situation,” said Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, which includes the division Thompson led, before abruptly ending the day’s events.
UnitedHealth is the largest U.S. insurer by market share. As of 2023, the company employed or represented approximately 10% of all U.S. physicians.
Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, which ranks fifth on the Fortune 500, according to the company.
Thompson’s murder is the latest violent incident to strike New York City in recent months. Despite police reinforcements and Mayor Eric Adams’ efforts to improve public safety ahead of next year’s municipal elections, public perception of street safety is rapidly deteriorating. This is fueled by a series of violent events, many seemingly random, including the recent stabbing of three people in downtown Manhattan, two of whom died. The attacker, who was quickly apprehended, had a criminal record and a history of entering and leaving mental health facilities in the city.
The hotel is within walking distance of popular holiday destinations such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center.
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