The 50-year-old was set to speak at an investor meeting when he was gunned down by a shooter who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park
Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investor meeting when he was gunned down about 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown by a shooter who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park, according to the New York Police Department.
The alleged shooter remained at large as of mid-day Wednesday, and police said the investigation was ongoing.
What is UnitedHealthcare?
It was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York to provide an update on its direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.
Who was Brian Thompson?
Thompson, aged 50, had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.
Thompson went by the nickname “BT” and regularly presented at investor events and on earnings calls. The insurance unit he oversaw is expected to bring in US$280 billion in revenue this year.
Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, told The New York Times that Thompson was father to two children.
What has the reaction been?
Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, called the killing a “brazen, targeted attack.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called it a “horrific and targeted shooting.”
Mayor Eric Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video, noting: “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” He wrote: “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.”
A spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.”
Who was the shooter?
Officials said the attack appeared to be targeted, but they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.
Early reports suggest that the alleged attacker was waiting for Thompson upon his arrival at the hotel, according to a person familiar with the investigation. Thompson was shot from about 20 feet away before the attacker fled on foot, this person said.
The suspect was described as a white man wearing a cream-coloured coat, black and white sneakers, a grey backpack and a black face mask, according to police.
— With files from Bloomberg and The Associated Press
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