United Healthcare CEO shot and killed outside hotel in suspected ‘targeted attack’
Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, was tragically shot and killed outside a hotel in what authorities believe might be a ‘targeted attack,’ according to various reports.
Thompson, age 50, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest just before 7am EST on Wednesday, December 4th, near the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, as reported by Reuters.
After being critically injured, he was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
The incident led to the immediate cancellation of an investor conference that United Healthcare, the largest private insurer in the United States, was scheduled to hold on the same day.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of United Healthcare, addressed the situation at a scheduled event, saying: “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event.”
The suspect involved in the shooting is still on the loose. Witnesses report seeing the suspect flee the scene and escape on a bicycle.
“I wasn’t paying attention and then I heard the shot,” said Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the incident and spoke to PIX11. “It was silent gun, black gun, saw him after he shot him and was running across the street. I tried take a picture, but too far away, not clear.
“I was shocked. First time I see crime in front of me. I was afraid he (would) shoot me too, my car, I saw everything.”
Authorities have confirmed that there is video footage of the event, though the motive for the attack remains unknown at this stage.
According to the BBC, a Hilton spokesperson expressed the hotel’s condolences by stating, “deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.”
Thompson began his career with United Healthcare in 2004, working in various capacities throughout his tenure with the company.
United Healthcare is described as “a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone through two distinct and complementary businesses.”
In 2021, Thompson assumed the position of group CEO, a role that provided him with a salary exceeding $10 million annually.