Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan in what authorities are calling a “brazen, targeted attack.” The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched a full investigation into the incident, which occurred at approximately 6:46 a.m. ET on Avenue of the Americas.
Thompson, 50, was on his way to UnitedHealth Group’s scheduled investor event at the Hilton when he was shot. The company promptly canceled the event after the shooting. He was found on the sidewalk near the hotel with gunshot wounds to his back and leg. Emergency responders transported him to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
The gunman, who was seen waiting in the area shortly before Thompson’s arrival, is believed to have approached the CEO from behind, firing several rounds. Security footage suggests the shooter initially fired, but the weapon malfunctioned before a second round of shots struck Thompson. Police described the incident as a premeditated, targeted attack.
“We want to be clear: every indication is that this was not a random act of violence,” NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference. Authorities are treating the attack as a deliberate assault on Thompson, who had reportedly received threats prior to the shooting.
Thompson had been staying at The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan Midtown, located just a few blocks from the Hilton. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the gunman fled the scene on foot, later hopping onto an e-bike and riding toward Central Park. Authorities believe the assailant may have used a silencer during the attack, although this detail is still under investigation.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, confirmed to NBC News that her husband had been receiving threats in the weeks leading up to his death, though she did not provide specific details. Despite the threats, Thompson had not altered his usual travel patterns, she said, adding that she was struggling to process the news and console their two children.
A hot dog vendor near the Hilton, who was present when the shooting occurred, reported seeing a sudden rush of police officers but did not hear gunshots. A doorman at the hotel, who had just begun his shift, said the morning appeared normal until the police response.
Thompson, a 20-year veteran of UnitedHealth Group, had led UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest private health insurer, since 2021. He had previously managed the company’s government programs division. A graduate of the University of Iowa, Thompson was known for his leadership and commitment to healthcare, overseeing UnitedHealthcare’s massive portfolio that generated more than $281 billion in revenue last year.
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, expressed shock and grief at Thompson’s death. In a statement, the company called him a “highly respected colleague and friend,” and pledged to cooperate with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
“Our hearts are with Brian’s family and all who were close to him,” the statement read. The company also noted that its shares had risen by more than 1% on the day of the shooting, reflecting the stability of the company despite the tragic event.
The shooting has sent shockwaves through both the business and healthcare communities. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz both issued statements expressing their condolences. Gov. Hochul offered assistance to the NYPD, while Gov. Walz called the killing “a terrible loss.”
In addition to the police investigation, authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the shooter’s capture. The NYPD recovered several 9mm rounds and shell casings from the scene, along with a cellphone, though no arrests have been made as of yet.
This tragedy comes as UnitedHealth Group continues to address fallout from a major ransomware attack earlier this year, which targeted its subsidiary Change Healthcare and compromised the personal health data of millions. Thompson’s death has added to the challenges faced by the company, which now must grapple with the loss of a key leader during an already difficult time.