UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot outside NYC hotel; The search for the killer continues

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot dead Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, not far from the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. A huge trap had been laid hours earlier.

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot at about 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the attacker appeared to “lay in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police have not yet established a motive.

“Several people passed by the suspect, but it appeared he was waiting for his intended target,” Tisch said. He said the shooting “does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows the shooter emerge from behind a parked car, stop and point the gun at Thompson's back, grabbing him with both hands and firing multiple times from several feet away. The suspect continued firing, causing Thompson to stumble forward and fall to the sidewalk due to a slight jamming of the gun. The shooter is then seen walking past Thompson and out of frame.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney said, “From watching the video it appears he is proficient in the use of firearms because he was able to clear the malfunction very quickly.”

Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf, Tisch said.

Police said the shooter appeared to be a man wearing a jacket, a face mask and a backpack who fled on foot before riding an e-bike into Central Park a few blocks away. The suspect remained at large until Wednesday afternoon, when a search was launched involving police drones, helicopters and dogs.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson,” the insurer's Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement.

“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealth Group said. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police released a poster showing a surveillance image of a suspect pointing a gun and another image showing the same person on a bicycle. They offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her there were “some people who were threatening him.” He said he did not have details but suggested the threats may involve issues related to insurance coverage.

Eric Werner, the police chief of the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had received no reports of threats against the executive.

The murder shocked a part of New York City that was usually quiet at the time, occurring about four blocks away from where thousands of people were scheduled to gather for a Wednesday night tree lighting. Police promised additional security for the event, which will go on as scheduled.

The hotel is a short walk from other tourist sites, including the Museum of Modern Art, and is often packed with office workers and visitors on weekday mornings. There are several security cameras nearby.

“We are encouraging New Yorkers to be vigilant about their daily lives and going about their daily business,” said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey.

Investigators recovered several 9 mm bullet casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alley where the suspect had fled. They also were searching Thompson's hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenney said.

Police said the e-bike the shooter used to get across Central Park came from CitiBike, the city's bike-share program. A spokesperson for Lyft, which operates the program, said the company had not yet been contacted by police.

Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street about the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early after Thompson's death.

According to a transcript, a company executive told attendees, “I'm afraid that we – some of you may know – we are dealing with a very serious medical condition with a member of our team.” “And as a result, I'm afraid we'll have to end the program today. …I'm sure you'll understand.” Thompson served as CEO for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the US and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz tweeted that the state was “sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” “This is horrific news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote.

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