UnitedHealth Insurance chief killed in targeted attack

Brian Thompson ambushed outside Midtown Hilton; motive unknown, suspect fled on electric bike into Central Park

NEW YORK:

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.

Thompson, 50, was ambushed by a gunman lying in wait near the Hilton on Sixth Avenue at approximately 6:45 a.m. ET (11:45 GMT), just ahead of the company’s annual investor conference.

Despite being rushed to hospital, Thompson was pronounced dead. Police confirmed the gunman remains at large, with the motive still under investigation.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” stated New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, describing the attack as premeditated and deliberate. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect, masked and carrying a grey backpack, fleeing on foot before riding an electric bike into Central Park.

The incident coincided with preparations for the Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting, a televised event drawing large crowds a few blocks away. Despite the killing, the event proceeded under heightened security measures.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, informed NBC News that he had received threats, although she lacked details. She suggested the threats might have been related to insurance coverage disputes.

Thompson had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a division of UnitedHealth Group, since April 2021. UnitedHealth is the largest health insurer in the United States, serving millions of Americans. Recently, the company has faced challenges related to a significant data breach at its Change Healthcare unit, disrupting medical care and reimbursements for months.

According to police reports, the gunman arrived outside the Hilton shortly before Thompson and ignored passersby before shooting him in the back. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny indicated that the attack seemed specifically targeted, though the motive remains unclear. Surveillance video suggested the use of a silenced pistol, although this has not been confirmed.

At 9 a.m. ET, an hour into the investor conference, UnitedHealth’s Chief Executive Andrew Witty announced the event's cancellation due to a “very serious medical situation.” Attendees described a tense and chaotic atmosphere as details of the incident emerged.

Thompson, who had been with UnitedHealth since 2004, was remembered as a highly talented healthcare leader with significant potential. The company extended condolences to his family in a statement.

While police in Thompson’s hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, reported no prior threats against him, the company has faced legal scrutiny. Earlier this year, a Florida firefighters’ pension fund filed a lawsuit accusing Thompson and other executives of insider trading related to a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation.

The murder occurred as New York entered its busy holiday season, expected to attract over 7.5 million visitors. A British tourist staying at the Hilton described the violence as shocking and incongruous with the festive period.

Though New York’s homicide rate spiked following the COVID-19 pandemic, it has since returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 347 homicides reported as of December 1 this year, compared to 370 in the same period last year.