UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in 'targeted attack' in NYC, officials say

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WPIX) – The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was killed in a targeted shooting in New York City on Wednesday morning, police said.  

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and leg by a masked gunman just before 7 a.m. in front of a Hilton hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, according to officials. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect had been waiting for Thompson to arrive at the hotel for an investors meeting, police said. The NYPD is offering up to $10,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

"This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said.

At a press conference on Wednesday, police shared surveillance photos of the suspect holding a gun and fleeing the scene on a bicycle. 

The shooter was “lying in wait,” arriving at the hotel five minutes before Thompson, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Many people passed the suspect, but he “appeared to wait for his intended target,” according to Tisch. 

This was a "premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," Tisch added.

As Thompson arrived at the Hilton, the shooter stepped out from behind a car and fired multiple rounds, striking Thompson in the leg and back. The suspect then ran through an alley, hopped on a bike, and rode through Central Park on Center Drive.

“I hear a shot,” a witness told Nexstar's WPIX. “When I look around, I saw a guy with a gun. He shot three times, then he starts running.”

Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021 after joining UnitedHealth Group in 2004. Before being named CEO, he led government programs for UnitedHealthcare, including Medicare.

He previously worked at PwC.

UnitedHealth Group started its annual Investor Conference at 8 a.m. Wednesday, which was scheduled to run until 11 a.m. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty ended the conference early around 9:09 a.m.

“We’re dealing with a very serious… situation,” he said. “We’re going to have to bring to a close the event today… I apologize for bringing things to a close but I hope you’ll understand.”

In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said the company was "shocked" by the morning's events.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare," the statement reads. "Brian 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. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him."

A spokesperson for New York Hilton Midtown said the hotel chain is also saddened by Thompson’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy,” the hotel spokesperson said.

An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

This is a developing story.