Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning, December 4, outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
As reported by NBC, police described it as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Surveillance footage, shared by NBC, showed the gunman waiting several minutes before shooting Thompson, who wore a blue suit.
The attacker followed him as he fell and continued firing.
Investigators believe the gunman used a firearm equipped with a silencer.
Police described the suspect as wearing a black hoodie and pants and carrying a gray backpack.
Police believe that Thompson was deliberately targeted, though the motive remains unclear.
Adding to the uncertainty, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, recalled that her husband had received threats.
“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,” she said.
The family continues to mourn his loss, describing him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
In the wake of the tragedy, UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing shock and sadness over Thompson’s death, describing him as a respected colleague and friend.
The company pledged full cooperation with the NYPD’s investigation and extended heartfelt condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.
Before his tragic death, Thompson’s professional achievements and leadership highlighted his significant impact on the healthcare industry.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, overseeing nearly 140,000 employees worldwide.
Prior to becoming CEO, Thompson led UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement division, the largest U.S. business focused on senior health, as well as the Community & State division, which provides healthcare services to underserved populations.
He later held several senior roles, including Chief Financial Officer for multiple divisions, showcasing his versatility and leadership within the organization.
Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Thompson spent nearly seven years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in various roles.
As Manager of Transaction Advisory Services from 2002 to 2004, he conducted due diligence for corporate, venture capital, and private equity clients in mergers and acquisitions across industries like insurance, automotive, telecommunications, and manufacturing, handling both domestic and international deals.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, he earned valedictorian honors in 1997, receiving the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key for achieving the highest GPA.
The loss of such a prominent and accomplished figure continues to leave the corporate community in shock.
he reward posted by NYPD authorities on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
No arrests have been made, but Crime Stoppers, an organization that partners with law enforcement to solve crimes, has reportedly offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.