Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, was tragically killed by a masked gunman early Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown, where he was scheduled to address a gathering of colleagues, according to officials. Detectives are exploring the possibility that the assailant had been lying in wait for Thompson prior to the shooting. The 50-year-old was passing the Residences Hilton Club on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street in New York at approximately 6:45 a.m. when the gunman approached and opened fire, police reported. Emergency medical services transported Thompson to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital.
The suspect fled the scene and is currently being sought by authorities. Preliminary reports indicate that witnesses described the gunman as wearing a cream-colored coat and carrying a backpack. He reportedly emerged from an alley before shooting Thompson, who was due to speak at a symposium at the hotel. Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to his company biography. Previously, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s government programs, including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. Before this, he led UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.
Police are theorizing that the gunman had been waiting in the alley for Thompson to pass by before targeting him.
EMS rushed the victim to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where he died of his wounds.