United Healthcare CEO murdered in targeted attack on NYC street

Multiple media outlets have reported that United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was shot and killed this morning outside a Manhattan hotel in what authorities are describing as a “targeted” attack.

Around 6:45 a.m. EST this morning, Thompson was arriving on foot at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan to attend United Healthcare’s annual investors conference. Witnesses say a man wearing a mask who had been waiting in the area for about 10 minutes opened fire on Thompson from about 20 feet away, striking Thompson in the back and calf. The gunman fled on foot to an alley where he jumped onto a bicycle and is believed to have fled into Central Park.

(Update) Video has surfaced reportedly capturing the murder and can be viewed here. The gunman can be seen firing in a rather unhurried manner using a handgun. Thompson fell after being shot and the gunman appears to have casually walked up and fired more shots at Thompson as he lay on the ground. The gunman then jogged away.

Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Thompson was promoted to United Healthcare’s CEO position in 2021 and has been an employee of United Health Group since 2004.

At this time there is no known motive for the shooting, but based on the events, it does not appear to be a random attack. Large organizations like United Healthcare invest in security personnel and resources that deal with threats and other safety concerns involving their leadership teams. This unit will no doubt be an important source of information for NYC detectives as the investigation progresses.