Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan, according to law enforcement.
According to a CNN report, Thompson, 50, was on his way to the New York Hilton Hotel, where a UnitedHealthcare conference was taking place, when he was attacked. Dressed in a suit and tie, he was reportedly walking toward the hotel’s ballroom when the shooting occurred.
Investigators say a gunman, who appeared to have been waiting nearby, fired multiple shots from about 20 feet away, striking Thompson in the chest. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, the New York Police Department confirmed.
Authorities described the shooting as possibly targeted but have yet to determine a motive. No suspects have been taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD said.
Thompson had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the health benefits division of UnitedHealth Group, since April 2021.
UnitedHealth Group, a leading US-based health insurer, ranks fifth on the Fortune 500 list.
Before taking the top role at UnitedHealthcare, Thompson managed the company’s government programs, including its Medicare & Retirement and Community & State operations. Earlier, he led UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement as CEO.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and held key leadership roles across its divisions, including as chief financial officer for the Employer & Individual, Community & State, and Medicare & Retirement business units. His responsibilities also included serving as financial controller for Employer & Individual and as a director in corporate development.
Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect as they continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.
