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Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning, December 4, outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reportedly said the 50-year-old executive was walking to UnitedHealthcare's investor conference when an unknown gunman approached from behind and fired multiple rounds, striking him in the back and calf.
NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addresses the media about the suspected attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
As reported by NBC, police described it as a “premeditated, preplanner 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.
Police said the gun appeared to jam but was cleared before the shooter resumed firing.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said officers recovered three live 9 mm rounds, three discharged shell casings, and a cell phone near the scene.
Investigators believe the gunman used a firearm equipped with a silencer.
Police mark bullet casings outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The suspect fled on foot, switched to a rental bike, and was last seen entering Central Park.
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.
Police gather outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“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.
Flags fly at half-mast outside UnitedHealthcare's headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, after CEO Brian Thompson's death on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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.
PwC office in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
Earlier at PwC, Thompson worked as an Audit Manager from 1997 to 2002, overseeing audits for large international companies and handling SEC filings, debt offerings, and regulatory audits.
Thompson's academic excellence also stood out.
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.
He was also recognized as a scholar for Carver, State of Iowa, and Faculty, among other accolades.
The loss of such a prominent and accomplished figure continues to leave the corporate community in shock.
The attack involving Thompson has prompted an intensive investigation as authorities work to uncover the circumstances behind the killing.
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.
