UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated Wednesday morning in what police described as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” outside the Hilton Midtown hotel in downtown Manhattan. A manhunt is underway for the suspect.
Thompson, 50, was shot and killed at approximately 6:45 a.m. while walking to a major company investor conference.
Security footage shows the gunman approaching from behind, shooting Thompson in the back and calf as he fell to the sidewalk.
Warning — This footage is gruesome.
JUST IN: Video footage released of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson being executed by a masked gunman.
Video footage shows a man in the grey backpack pulling out a pistol with a silencer on it before opening fire.
The man was seen firing multiple shots at Thompson who… pic.twitter.com/xLatwSwnAJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 4, 2024
“Based on the evidence we have so far it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but we don’t know why,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a press conference.
Police said the suspect, described as a white man wearing a cream-colored jacket and black face mask, had been “lying in wait for several minutes” in a nearby alley before the attack. The gunman showed proficiency with firearms, quickly clearing a jam in his weapon during the shooting.
“Many people passed the suspect but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Investigators recovered three live 9mm rounds, three shell casings, and a cell phone near the scene. Sources indicated the weapon was equipped with a silencer.
Thompson’s wife Paulette told NBC News her husband had received death threats related to “a lack of coverage,” though she didn’t know specific details.
The suspect fled on foot before mounting an e-Citi Bike on Sixth Avenue, and police last saw him entering Central Park. Police are working with Citi Bike to track the GPS data while deploying drone and K-9 units in the search. Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey announced increased police presence across Manhattan, particularly for Wednesday’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, which is very close to the target of the assassination.
“When an incident like this happens, we don’t spare any expense,” Maddrey said.
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West hospital. He had served as CEO since April 2021 after joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
UnitedHealth Group abruptly ended its investor conference following the shooting. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
Investigators are examining company files for possible motives, including reviewing records of disgruntled or recently fired employees. Police continue analyzing surveillance footage and interviewing Thompson’s colleagues, family members, and associates.