UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan in what police described as a "brazen, targeted attack" as he walked toward the company’s annual investor conference. The gunman remains at large, according to the New York Police Department.
Incident Details:
- Timing and Location: The shooting occurred shortly before 7 a.m. in freezing temperatures. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the suspect appeared to be "lying in wait" for Thompson.
- Attack Description: The masked gunman approached Thompson from behind, firing at least two shots—one to his back and one to his right calf. Emergency responders transported Thompson to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
“This was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” Tisch said, emphasizing the gunman’s deliberate actions. “We will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter.”
Suspect and Investigation:
- Escape: After the shooting, the suspect fled first on foot and later on an e-bike, last seen entering Central Park.
- Weapon: The firearm appeared to be equipped with a silencer, according to a law enforcement official.
- Motivation: The motive remains unclear, but Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News that her husband had recently received threats. "There had been some threats," she said, adding that they might have stemmed from "a lack of coverage," though she did not elaborate on the specifics.
Family Statement:
Paulette Thompson described her husband as a devoted father and deeply cherished individual. "We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,” she said. “He was a loving, generous, and talented man who touched so many lives. Most importantly, he was an incredible father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
Ongoing Efforts:
The NYPD is actively canvassing the area and pursuing leads to track down the shooter. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to resolve the case.
