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Manhunt Launched After United Healthcare CEO Gunned Down
Police in New York City have launched a manhunt for a masked suspect who shot and killed United Healthcare CEO in a “brazen, targeted attack”. Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
The 50-year-old father of two was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead minutes after the attack, according to New York City police.
Investigators claimed they did not know why the assailant departed the scene without stealing any of the victim’s things.
New York City police have offered a $10,000 reward.
The attack occurred about 06:45 a.m. in one of Manhattan’s busiest neighbourhoods, near the tourist hotspots of Times Square and Central Park, in an area where gunshots are extremely unusual.
Police drones, helicopters, dogs, and thousands of CCTV cameras have been scanning the city street by street to locate the offender.
According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, “Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.” The suspect, wearing a black face mask and a cream jacket, appeared to be waiting for Thompson outside the hotel.
The assailant was also caught on security video minutes before the shooting at a Starbucks less than two blocks away.
When Thompson arrived alone on foot at the Hilton, the shooter stepped out from behind a car and shot him in the back.
CCTV Footage of Shooting
According to police sources, the victim stayed at a nearby Marriott hotel. CCTV footage from the attack shows the suspect using a silencer on his weapon while opening fire.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, the gun appeared to malfunction, but the suspect rapidly fixed it and continued firing.
Commissioner Tisch said the offender fled the scene on foot before taking an e-bike and riding to Central Park, where he was last seen.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stated that police had briefed her on the “horrific and targeted” attack.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
United Healthcare CEO praised
United Health Group, the parent company of United Healthcare, said it was “deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague”.
The group stated, “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. ”
Thompson, who lived in a Minneapolis suburb, began his work as a certified public accountant.
He started at UnitedHealthcare, the largest private insurer in the United States, in 2004 and was named United Healthcare CEO in 2021. Last year, he earned $10.2 million. In May, a pension fund sued him, alleging fraud and illegal insider trading.
According to a Thompson family statement, “We are heartbroken to learn of Brian’s terrible death.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives.”
