Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning, December 4, 2024, outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Authorities are treating the incident as a deliberate attack carried out by an armed assailant.
Thompson was shot at approximately 6:45 a.m. as he was preparing to attend the company’s annual investor conference. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” stated New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a press conference. “All indications suggest this was a premeditated and targeted assault.”
Assailant Still at Large
Police reported that the gunman, who was masked and carried a gray backpack, fled the scene on foot before escaping on an electric bike heading toward Central Park. Surveillance footage shows the suspect arriving outside the Hilton roughly five minutes before Thompson and ignoring other passersby. The assailant shot Thompson in the back as he walked by.
“This was clearly a targeted attack on the victim, but at this time, we do not know the motive,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
Authorities noted that the weapon appeared to be equipped with a silencer, though Kenny indicated this detail could not be fully confirmed from the video footage.
Possible Threats to Thompson
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, disclosed to NBC News that her husband had received threats in the past, though she was unaware of their specific nature. “I don’t know if it was due to a lack of protection,” she said, hinting at a potential connection to his role in the insurance industry.
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UnitedHealth Responds
UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurance provider in the United States, expressed their condolences in a statement, saying, “We extend our deepest sympathies to Brian’s family and everyone close to him.”
Thompson had been with UnitedHealth since 2004, serving in various roles before becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. During his tenure, the company faced numerous challenges, including a massive data breach at its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, which disrupted patient care and reimbursement processes for months.
UnitedHealth serves tens of millions of Americans, navigating a healthcare system known for its complexity and high costs. Thompson’s death casts a shadow over the company as it continues to address ongoing operational issues.
The NYPD has urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this shocking attack.
(Becky)
