Governor of New York Kathy Hochul has held a therapy session with 175 corporate reps, CEOs to "calm the nerves of the NYC business elite" in wake of Brian Thompson killing; promising state assistance for corporate security to combat "domestic terrorism"

State officials are working to reassure New York City’s business leaders following the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, an event that has deeply unsettled the corporate world.

Governor Kathy Hochul is organizing a virtual meeting on Tuesday with state law enforcement agencies and approximately 175 corporate representatives to discuss enhanced security measures and resource sharing.

Kathryn Garcia, the state’s Director of Operations, is leading the effort, with Kathy Wylde, CEO and president of the Partnership for New York City, acting as the liaison for the business community.

In a Thursday appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Hochul emphasized that the meeting would take a “proactive” approach, with state officials offering insights on how law enforcement can provide intelligence and support if specific industries or sectors are targeted.

“We’re committed to protecting everyone in New York, not just CEOs,” Hochul stated. “Every individual deserves the protection of our law enforcement.”

Wylde shared with Playbook that the discussion will include input from the State Police and officials specializing in homeland security and counterterrorism, aimed at showcasing how corporate security teams can access and leverage state intelligence.

“This demonstrates that New York has the most prepared and capable counterterrorism resources in the country,” Wylde said. “There’s no safer place to be.”

Hochul has already conferred with Wylde to address corporate concerns following Thompson’s death. Thompson, 50, was fatally shot earlier this month shortly before attending an investor meeting, sending ripples of fear throughout the business community.

“She [Hochul] understands the profound impact of the killing and the hateful rhetoric surrounding it,” Wylde said. “She wants to ensure that state resources, particularly in counterterrorism, are fully supportive and actively sharing information.”

Authorities have arrested 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in connection with the assassination. Reports indicate he was found carrying a notebook containing references to targeting a “parasitic bean-counter convention.”

Thompson’s killing has sparked both outrage and troubling expressions of anger toward the health insurance industry on social media. In response, many corporate leaders have intensified their private security efforts.

“Demonizing corporate executives isn’t new,” Wylde noted. “We saw it during the 2008-09 financial crisis and in real estate. What’s new is the escalation from rhetoric to violence.”

The list of firms sending representatives to the meeting remains unclear, and Governor Hochul’s office declined to comment.

The meeting comes as state officials worry that heightened security concerns may further drive private-sector leaders to relocate from New York, potentially jeopardizing the state’s tax revenue.

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