UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in New York City: Investigation Underway “`

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is searching for the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on the morning of December 4th.

Thompson, 50, was in the city for his company’s annual investor conference. Police reports indicate he was walking alone when he was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as a “brazen, targeted attack,” stating it was “premeditated,” and the shooter appeared to have been “lying in wait” before attacking Thompson from behind.

While the attack seems targeted, police have yet to identify a suspect or establish a motive.

Here’s what we know about the death of Mr. Thompson. 

Police provide details of the shooting

According to the police press conference, a masked gunman arrived on foot approximately five minutes before the shooting, having also stopped at a nearby Starbucks, as seen in surveillance footage. 

Numerous individuals passed the gunman, who was wearing a dark hooded coat and a grey backpack, while he waited for Thompson.

The suspect shot Thompson multiple times in the back and leg, with at least one witness present. The firearm appeared to malfunction, but the gunman cleared the jam and continued firing as he approached Thompson, according to police accounts.

After being discovered by authorities, Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 7:12 a.m.

A city-wide search is underway

The NYPD has been conducting an extensive search for the gunman, utilizing a comprehensive network of public and private security cameras.

Tisch stated that the gunman initially fled on foot into a nearby alley. A discarded cellphone was found there and is currently being analyzed.

He is believed to have subsequently used a Citi Bike e-bike and was last seen riding it into Central Park on Center Drive. The NYPD is collaborating with Citi Bike to track the bike’s GPS data.

On Thursday morning, the NYPD released images of a “person of interest,” appealing for public assistance.

On X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD stated: “Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning regarding the Midtown Manhattan homicide on Dec. 4. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all indications are that it was a premediated [sic], targeted attack.”

They added: “The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public’s help—if you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.”

Statements from Thompson’s family and employer

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, released a statement through her sister.

“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed,” she said. “We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.”

Paulette mentioned that her husband had previously received threats.

“Yes, there had been some threats… I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that Thompson did not appear to have security.

“Speaking to other employees that traveled with him to New York, it doesn’t seem like he had a security detail,” he said. “He left the hotel by himself, was walking, didn’t seem like he had any issues at all.”

UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing their sorrow and confirming their cooperation with the NYPD’s investigation.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

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