New York — Police are actively seeking a suspect involved in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a prominent Manhattan hotel early Wednesday. Thompson, 50, was attacked while en route to a scheduled investor meeting at the New York Hilton Midtown just before 7 a.m. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
Authorities have characterized the incident as a “targeted” act, pointing towards its premeditated nature. The attacker, described as a white male dressed in black with a black ski mask, was last seen fleeing the crime scene on an e-bike. The New York Police Department has released surveillance photos of the suspect captured nearby, heightening the urgency of their manhunt.
This tragic event unfolded when Thompson was headed to discuss company matters at 8 a.m. Moments before the attack, security footage showed the suspect lingering in a nearby Starbucks. The police believe these images are crucial for identifying the gunman and piecing together his movements before the shooting.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, though the deliberateness of the attack has raised numerous questions about potential connections to Thompson’s professional engagements or personal life. NYPD Crime Stoppers has stepped in, offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible individual.
According to those close to him, Thompson was a dedicated leader and family man. His sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, expressed devastation over the news, describing Thompson as “a good person” whose sudden loss has left the family reeling. Thompson, who joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and rose to become CEO of its insurance arm in 2021, is survived by two children.
The business community and local authorities have expressed their shock and condemnation of the violent act. Officials and executives across various sectors are reassessing their security measures in response to this incident, which has rippled fear through the corporate world.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have both assured the public and Thompson’s family that efforts are in full swing to apprehend the assailant. Adams emphasized that the attack does not seem to be a random act of violence, seeking to alleviate widespread concern among city residents and visitors.
Meanwhile, corporate security teams among Fortune 500 companies have convened to discuss preventive strategies and best practices to shield their executives from similar risks, indicating a significant shift toward tighter security protocols in response to this event.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement continues to gather and review additional surveillance footage from the area hoping to track down the suspect’s escape route and confirm his identity. The community, along with Thompson’s family and colleagues, anxiously awaits justice for this heinous crime as they mourn a profound loss.