The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot dead on Wednesday morning just outside the Midtown Manhattan Hilton Hotel in New York City, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed at a press conference.
Tisch said the shooting appears to have been “a brazen, targeted attack. This does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
She added that the attacker was “lying in wait for several minutes,” and that they shot Thompson at least once in the back and at least once in his right calf.
The suspect, wearing a mask and carrying a gray backpack, fled on foot before mounting an electric bike and riding into Central Park, police said.
The manhunt for the shooter of the UnitedHealthcare CEO is underway. pic.twitter.com/GvddR8Pjgf
— Chris Beers (@chrisbeers01) December 4, 2024
UnitedHealth was hosting its investor day at the hotel when Thompson was fatally shot.
“We will not rest until we identify and apprehend the shooter in this case,” Tisch said.
Joe Kenny, the city’s chief of detectives, said the first 911 call came in at 6:46 a.m.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” said Kenny.
The detective said that police recovered three live 9-millimeter rounds and shell casings in Central Park.
Thompson was 50 years old. He was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m. at Mount Sinai West hospital on Manhattan’s west side.
UnitedHealth Group said Thompson 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,” it said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
UnitedHealthcare is the largest U.S. health insurer, providing benefits to tens of millions of Americans, who pay more for healthcare than in any other country.
Reuters contributed to this report.