What Happened
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Police have described the incident as a "premeditated, preplanned targeted attack."
Thompson, 50, was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group's investor conference when the gunman approached him from behind and fired multiple rounds, hitting him in the back and leg, according to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred at approximately 6:46 a.m. outside the hotel on Sixth Avenue.
Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts reveal the suspect waited for several minutes, appearing to target Thompson specifically.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated the shooter fired at least twice and cleared a gun malfunction before continuing to shoot.
Evidence Collected
Police recovered three live 9mm rounds, three shell casings, and a cell phone at the scene.
Investigators believe the shooter used a firearm equipped with a silencer.
Suspect on the Run
The gunman fled the scene on foot before using a Citi Bike and was last seen heading toward Central Park.
The suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a gray backpack.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Thompson's Background and Reaction
Thompson, a Minnesota resident, was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021 and had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004.
His wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed that he had recently received threats but was unsure of their connection to the attack. "There had been some threats… but I don’t know details," she said.
UnitedHealth Group canceled its investor conference following the tragedy and released a statement expressing shock and sadness, calling Thompson a "highly respected colleague and friend."
What We Don’t Know
The motive for the attack remains unclear. Investigators are still determining why Thompson was targeted.
The Bigger Picture
The high-profile nature of the attack has drawn significant attention, with police working urgently to identify the suspect. The use of a silencer and methodical approach has added to concerns about the calculated nature of the crime. Crime Stoppers continues to seek tips from the public to aid in the investigation.
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