The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of many US’s largest well being insurers, was shot useless on Wednesday in midtown Manhattan, police confirmed in a press convention.
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outdoors the Hilton lodge at 1335 Avenue of the Americas simply after 6.45am after arriving early for the corporate’s annual investor convention. A person sporting a masks approached him and fired at him repeatedly, police stated.
Police stated they imagine Thompson was focused within the assault. This was a “brazen, targeted attack”, New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, stated, including that this “does not appear to be a random act of violence”.
“I want to be clear at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack,” she added.
The New York police division chief of detectives, Joseph Kenny, stated Thompson was discovered by police on the sidewalk in entrance of the Hilton with gunshot wounds to his again and his leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai hospital in vital situation, and was pronounced useless at 7.12am.
The gunman arrived on the location on foot about 5 minutes earlier than Thompson’s arrival, police stated. From surveillance video, police stated Thompson was seen at 6.44am strolling alone in the direction of the Hilton.
Police stated video confirmed the gunman showing to disregard different pedestrians. Officers stated he approached Thompson from behind and shot him within the again earlier than transferring towards the sufferer and persevering with to shoot.
Authorities stated the gun appeared to malfunction, and the gunman cleared the jam earlier than firing once more and fleeing northbound into an alleyway between 54th Avenue and fifty fifth Avenue. The shooter then continued to stroll westbound on the Avenue of the Americas, the place he acquired on to an electrical Citi Bike and rode northbound in the direction of Central Park.
Police say they recovered three stay 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings. Authorities additionally recovered a cellphone.
The shooter gave the impression to be a light-skinned male, authorities stated, sporting a light-brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face masks, black and white sneakers, and a particular gray backpack.
Police are looking for the gunman and are providing as much as $10,000 for details about Thompson’s loss of life, as said on a newly launched flyer with two surveillance images. The flyer reveals a photograph of a suspect, all in black with a gray backpack, holding a firearm, and one other of the suspect on a bicycle.
A picture launched later by the NYPD confirmed a suspect in a darkish jacket, reportedly whereas in a Starbucks espresso store minutes earlier than the taking pictures.
The New York Instances additionally reported that the suspect reportedly knew which door Thompson was going to enter and shot him a number of instances from mere ft away earlier than fleeing.
Officers have stated that no arrests have been made but and that the investigation is constant. The motive is at the moment unknown.
Thompson’s spouse, Paulette Thompson, informed NBC Information her husband had obtained threats.
“There had been some threats,” she stated. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
She additionally informed the outlet that the police had informed her it appeared the taking pictures was “a planned attack”.
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.
UnitedHealthcare launched a assertion on the incident shortly after midday ET.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the assertion learn.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to 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 hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
The UnitedHealth Group, which owns United Healthcare, was scheduled to host its annual investor convention on Wednesday, starting at 8am native time.
Two buildings related to the corporate had their flags – US flags, Minnesota flags and firm flags – at half-mast. There was a police officer outdoors one constructing, however in any other case the buildings have been quiet.
In a press release, a spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown stated: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.” It directed additional questions the New York police division.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver who witnessed the incident, informed ABC Information he heard “the shot”. He stated: “It was silent gun, black gun.” He stated he noticed the shooter operating throughout the road and tried to take an image, however was too far-off.
“I was shocked,” Abdelmula stated. He stated he was afraid of being shot too: “I saw everything.”
The New York mayor, Eric Adams, stated it didn’t look like a random assault and that police have been reviewing proof from the scene, together with video.
“This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence” Adams stated. “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual.”
Thompson was named chief govt officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, in line with the firm. Previous to this position, he served as chief govt of UnitedHealthcare authorities applications together with Medicare and retirement and neighborhood and state. Earlier than main authorities applications, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare medicare and retirement.
Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, referred to as the taking pictures “horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota”.
“Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team,” Walz added.
The police division within the metropolis the place Thompson lives – Maple Grove, Minnesota – stated it had notified Thompson’s household of his homicide this morning, on the request of the New York Metropolis police division.“We extend our deepest condolences to the Thompson family during this difficult time,” the division stated in a press release.
US senator Amy Klobuchar, who represents Minnesota, referred to as the taking pictures a “horrifying and shocking act of violence”, including: “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at UnitedHealthcare in Minnesota.”
Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law Elena Reveiz informed the New York Instances she was nonetheless processing the information of Thompson’s loss of life.
“He was a good person, and I am so sad,” Reveiz stated, including that Thompson was an excellent father to his two kids. Reveiz stated she was on her technique to be with their household.
