UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York City on Wednesday morning, police said.
New York police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a "brazen, targeted attack.”
"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," Tisch said during a briefing. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target."
The suspect was "lying in wait for several minutes" before he saw Thompson walking to the hotel where UnitedHealth Group was holding an investor conference, Tisch said. The suspect approached Thompson from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and once in the right calf.
The shooter arrived at the location on foot about five minutes prior to Thompson's arrival, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. The shooter appears to be a light-skinned male who was wearing a light brown or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers and a "very distinctive" grey backpack.
"The motive for this murder currently is unknown, but based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but at this point we do not know why," Kenny said.
The shooter fled on foot until he picked up an electric CitiBike, which he rode into Central Park. The suspect is still at large and police are offering a $10,000 reward for information.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and has led UnitedHealthcare, the company’s insurance division, since 2021. Thompson has also served as chief financial officer for UnitedHealthcare’s commercial, Medicare and Medicaid programs.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company that includes UnitedHealthcare, issued a statement confirming Thompson's death.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the company said. "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
UnitedHealth Group canceled the rest of its investor day conference after reports of the shooting.
CEO Andrew Witty did not confirm details to attendees but interrupted a presentation to acknowledge a “medical situation” with an employee.
"I'm afraid that, as some of you may know, we're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. And as a result, I'm afraid we're going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologize for. I'm sure you'll understand," Witty said, according to a transcript of the event. "And we'll share with you an alternate mechanism to update you all with the information we're going to share with you with the rest of the day. I apologize for bringing things to close, but I hope you'll understand."
Updated: 12:32 p.m.
