LIVE UPDATES: UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in 'brazen, targeted attack' outside NYC hotel
NEW YORK CITY (FOX 9) - UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who lives in Minnesota, was fatally shot in New York City on Wednesday morning, with police calling this a "brazen, targeted attack."
What we know
The shooting happened around 6:45 a.m. near West 54th Street and 6th Avenue outside the Hilton Hotel. According to police, Thompson, 50, was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
He was shot shortly before his UnitedHealthcare annual investors meeting.
READ MORE: Who is Brian Thompson? United Healthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack
Police at a press conference Wednesday called this a "brazen, targeted attack," with the suspect waiting for their intended target in this "premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack."
UnitedHealthcare CEO killed: NYPD's full press conference
Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday morning. He was in New York City and was shot outside a hotel before his UnitedHealthcare annual investors meeting. Here is the full press conference from the NYPD.
"It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Tisch said many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.
READ MORE: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed outside NYC hotel: Timeline of events
The suspect fled after the shooting, first on foot and then on e-bike into Central Park, police said. No arrests have been made, but there is a reward for up to $10,000 for information leading to the suspect's arrest.
Although police said this was a targeted attack, the motive for the shooting is unknown, police said.
The investigation
Investigators in New York recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the suspect fled. They were also searching Thompson’s hotel room and interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at Wednesday's press conference.
Meanwhile, the NYPD said it is working with law enforcement in Minnesota on this investigation. The Maple Grove Police Department on Wednesday said it responded to Thompson's home to notify his family of his death.
"Maple Grove investigators are in contact with the NYPD, who is leading the investigation. Further assistance will be provided if requested. No further information will be released at this time, for this is an ongoing investigation," the police department said in a press release.
Maple Grove police said there has been one call for service at Thompson's Maple Grove home — a reported suspicious activity incident in 2018. The incident was cleared with no criminal activity detected, police said.
Who is Thompson?
Who is Brian Thompson? UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted attack
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outside a midtown Manhattan hotel Wednesday morning. Here's what we know so far.
Thompson, who is married with two children, was named the chief executive officer for Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, according to his bio on UnitedHealth Group's website.
Before becoming CEO, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State and was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004. Before he joined UnitedHealth Group, Thompson was a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Paulette Thompson, Brian Thompson's wife, told FOX 9, "We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and request complete privacy as our family moves through this difficult time."
Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group – the parent company to UnitedHealthcare – is the largest health insurance company by market share, according to the American Medical Association. UnitedHealthcare is ranked fifth on the Fortune 500 and employs more than 100,000 people worldwide. The health care giant provides insurance for more than 49 million people in the United States. Its Optum segment also provides care, runs one of the nation’s largest pharmacy benefits management businesses and offers technology services.
Why was Brian Thompson in New York?
Thompson was in town for UnitedHealthcare’s 2024 investor conference. According to UnitedHealthcare’s website, the company was set to stream the conference beginning at 8 a.m., but no stream had been shared as of 9:30 a.m. The conference, which was taking place at the hotel where Thompson was shot, was canceled Wednesday morning.
"I’m afraid that we — some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members," a company official told attendees of the conference, according to a transcript. "And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. ... I’m sure you’ll understand."
Police said it doesn't appear Thompson had security detail while in New York. HIs wife, Paulette Thompson told NBC he had received threats.
What they're saying
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. 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."
On Wednesday, flags outside UnitedHealthcare in Minnetonka were at half-staff and there were a few squad cars at the building.
Flags at half-staff on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at UnitedHealthcare in Minnetonka, Minnesota, after the killing of CEO Brian Thompson in New York.
In a statement on X, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said, "This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team."
In a statement on Facebook, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said, "This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in NYC: Reaction
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York City on Wednesday in what's been described as a targeted attack. His killing has led to local leaders, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.