Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, just before he was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Hotel, located in the bustling area near Rockefeller Center, as Thompson arrived for the event.
The 50-year-old executive was taken to a nearby hospital after being shot, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead. While police have not officially named the victim, sources close to the investigation identified him as Thompson, who had served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare for over three years.
According to officials, the shooting is being treated as a “targeted murder,” and Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that it did not appear to be a random act of violence. The NYPD is currently reviewing evidence from the scene, including surveillance footage, and conducting a thorough investigation. “This was clearly targeted by an individual, and we will apprehend that individual,” Mayor Adams said in a statement.
The shooting took place in a busy part of Manhattan, known for its proximity to major landmarks such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Rockefeller Center, and typically frequented by tourists and office workers. The Hilton, where Thompson was scheduled to speak at UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor meeting, was briefly cordoned off by police as officers combed the area for clues. Multiple security cameras are located in the vicinity, which may aid in the investigation.
Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and took over as CEO in 2020. The company, part of the larger UnitedHealth Group, is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States and also offers health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. UnitedHealthcare had planned to update investors on the company’s direction and expectations for the coming year, but the meeting was abruptly canceled following the tragic event.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences, tweeting, “Sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team. This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota.”
The shooting has left the local community and the business world in shock as authorities continue to search for the suspect responsible for the crime.
