UnitedHealthcare CEO shot: Brian Thompson killed in Midtown, NYC; masked gunman on the run outside the New York Hilton

MIDTOWN (WABC) — The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in what police say was an “apparently targeted attack.”

Brian Thompson, 50, of Minnesota, was shot about 6:45 outside the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue between 53rd and 54th streets. He was seen on video leaving his hotel across the street to enter the Hilton several minutes earlier, around 6:40 a.m., police said.

He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, where he later died.

Thompson was in New York City for an investor conference at the Hilton, which is in the heart of Midtown and just a few blocks from Rockefeller Center.

His schedule was widely known, and police believe the shooting was targeted and say it does not appear to be random.

The UnitedHealthcare investor conference was scheduled to start at 8 in the morning and the gunman appears to have arrived hours before that.

The shooter appears to have known which door Thompson was going in and was seen on video at least five minutes before the shooter loitering around the hotel. Thompson was approached from behind and shot multiple times at point blank range at the doorway on West 54th Street, including several rounds to the back and once to the right calf.

Three spent shell casings were found along with three live rounds from a 9 mm. At one point the gun seemed to stop. When he got cleaned up, he resumed shooting.

The offender is described as 6’1″ with a tall, thin build, wearing a black jacket, black hat, black ski mask and black backpack.

He ran through the center Ziegfeld Alleyway and eventually hopped on a CitiBike and rode away into Central Park. The bikes are equipped with GPS, and the police follow up.

Police are scouring the area for surveillance video and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information.

His wife, Paulette Thompson released a statement to the ABC:

“We are devastated to hear of the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. 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 and we appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time.”

“We’re just so sad right now,” Elena Reveiz, the sister of Thompson’s wife, told ABC News by phone.

Reveiz said she was especially concerned about Thompson’s two children and called the CEO a good father.

NYPD officials said during a press conference that New Yorkers should go about their daily lives but remain alert. They use drones and K-9s to help make a quick arrest.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has asked the state police to assist the NYPD in their investigation to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. Thompson’s family and loved ones and we are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” she said.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company is UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurance company in the world.

Thompson was promoted to the role of UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021. Thompson had arrived in New York on Monday. He entered the Hilton alone without a security detail, police said.

UnitedHealthcare executives were addressing the investor conference on the second floor of the hotel, which was just getting ready to start when news of the shooting spread. The company quickly canceled today’s itinerary.

UnitedHealth Group issued the following statement today:

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. 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 your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all those close to him.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a statement about the “terrible loss.”

“This is terrible news and a terrible loss for business and the healthcare industry in Minnesota. Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”

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