Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest U.S. health insurer, was killed in a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel early Wednesday morning. The attack occurred near the Hilton on Sixth Avenue, where UnitedHealth Group's annual investor conference was set to begin. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as premeditated, with a masked gunman lying in wait for Thompson. Despite efforts to save him, Thompson succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
Witnesses said the gunman fled on an electric bike into Central Park after the attack. NYPD officials confirmed that the suspect remains at large and described him as wearing a mask and carrying a gray backpack. The motive for the killing remains unclear, though authorities believe Thompson was specifically targeted.
The shooting shocked the business community and led to the cancellation of the investor conference. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty addressed attendees, expressing grief over the tragedy and announcing the abrupt halt of the event. The company praised Thompson as a respected leader, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the incident "horrifying" and extended condolences to Thompson’s family.
The murder scene was marked by heavy police presence, with investigators gathering evidence, including bullet casings and gloves. The attack unfolded just blocks from Rockefeller Center, where the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony proceeded as scheduled despite heightened security concerns. Witnesses described the shooting as a rare and terrifying event in the typically bustling area.
Thompson, who had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and became CEO in 2021, was remembered as a thoughtful and genuine leader in the healthcare industry. Friends and colleagues mourned his loss, with one describing him as “the opposite of a corporate stereotype.” Authorities continue to investigate the high-profile killing, seeking answers as to who orchestrated the attack and why.
