Top healthcare boss Brian Thompson murdered by gunman in face mask outside New York hotel
4 December 2024, 15:13 | Updated: 4 December 2024, 21:06
Police in New York are hunting a gunman who shot dead a top healthcare boss outside a hotel in what has been described as a "brazen targeted attack".
Brian Thompson, who was the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was killed as he walked alone to the Hilton on Manhattan's Sixth Avenue, where the company's investor conference was about to take place.
The gunman, who was wearing a face mask, was lying in wait for about five minutes before he approached the 50-year-old victim from behind.
He opened fire several times, shooting him in the back and leg. He then walked towards Mr Thompson and continued to shoot.
Police said the weapon jammed during the attack, which happened at around 6.45am local time on Wednesday. But the shooter cleared the jam and started firing again.
The attacker used a firearm with a silencer, CNBC reported.
He then fled on foot before getting on a GPS-tracked e-bike and was last seen in Central Park.
Mr Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.
Police are still searching for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 (£7,866) reward for information. Officers also said they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.
Photos taken from CCTV footage show a man wearing a grey backpack riding a bicycle, and another photo of the individual appearing to be pointing a gun.
The suspect was described as a light-skinned male, wearing a light brown or cream-coloured jacket, a black face mask, and black and white trainers.
Police said there was another person standing next to Mr Thompson when he was attacked outside the hotel, and are in the process of identifying them.
New York City's police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a "brazen, targeted attack".
"This does not appear to be a random act of violence. Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack," she said.
Mr Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, said that he had been receiving threats.
"There had been some threats," she said in a phone call to Sky's US partner network, NBC News. "Basically, I don't know, a lack of coverage? I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him."
"I can't really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I'm trying to console my children," she added.
The attack happened as the company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors on Wednesday morning in the Hilton.
Mr Thompson had arrived in New York on Monday to attend the meeting and was staying in a hotel opposite.
It is understood Mr Thompson was in charge of organising the conference and was due to speak at the meeting.
"We're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I'm afraid we're going to have to bring to a close the event today," UnitedHealth's chief executive Sir Andrew Witty said.
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group.
In a statement, it said: "Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
"Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."
There have been no arrests, and the investigation is active and ongoing.
The scene of the shooting is a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Centre. The popular Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting is set to take place on Wednesday evening.
(c) Sky News 2024: Top healthcare boss Brian Thompson murdered by gunman in face mask outside New York hotel
