Brian Thompson, the Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot Wednesday morning near the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, United States.
Thompson was on his way to attend UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference when he was attacked in what the police described as a targeted shooting.
The masked gunman waited approximately 10 minutes before Thompson’s arrival, opening fire from about 20 feet away and striking the 50-year-old executive in the chest.
Emergency responders transported Thompson to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.
“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area, and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.
“Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department,” a New York Hilton Midtown general manager told CNN.
The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle, cutting through an alley and heading towards Central Park. Investigators are canvassing the area, but no arrests have been made.
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, abruptly cancelled the conference, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”
Thompson, appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, led the company, which is part of the Fortune 500-ranked UnitedHealth Group.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected following a police briefing later this morning.