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Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and murdered outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on Wednesday morning, December 4.
According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the 50-year-old CEO was reportedly heading to UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference.
When an anonymous gunman approached him from behind and fired several bullets, striking him in the back and leg.
Thompson was pronounced dead by Mount Sinai West Hospital. Police described the incident as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack,” according to NBC.
The gunman waited for many minutes before shooting Thompson, who was wearing a blue suit, according to security video made public by NBC.
The assailant followed him and continued firing as he collapsed. Police said that while the pistol seemed to jam, it was unlocked before the shooter resumed his fire.
Officers discovered three discharged round casings, three live 9 mm rounds, and a mobile phone near the scene, according to Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
According to investigators, the rifle the shooter used had a silencer attached. The man fled on foot, changed to a rented bike, and was last seen approaching Central Park.
The man was wearing black trousers and a hoodie, and the cops said he was carrying a gray rucksack.
Police think Thompson was picked out on purpose, but the reason is yet unclear. Paulette, Thompson’s wife, raised further questions by mentioning that her husband had received threats.
“Basically, a lack of coverage? Is that right? Details are unknown to me. She said, “I just know that he mentioned that some people had been threatening him.”
He was a “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” and his family is still grieving his passing. They have asked for privacy during this trying time.
The company pledged to fully assist with the NYPD’s investigation and offered its sincere condolences to Thompson’s family and loved ones.
Thompson had a huge impact on the healthcare industry, as shown by his leadership and professional achievements before his tragic death.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, overseeing about 140,000 workers worldwide.
Prior to becoming CEO, Thompson was in charge of UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare & Retirement division.
The biggest senior health company in the US, and Community & State division, which provides healthcare services to underserved regions.
He subsequently held other high-level roles inside the organization, including Chief Financial Officer for several divisions, showcasing his flexibility and leadership.
Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Thompson spent almost seven years in a range of roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).
He conducted due diligence for corporate, venture capital, and private equity clients in industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, insurance.
And autos while managing both domestic and international mergers and acquisitions in his role as Manager of Transaction Advisory Services from 2002 to 2004.
From 1997 until 2002, Thompson worked as an Audit Manager at PwC, where he oversaw audits for large international firms and managed regulatory audits, debt offers, and SEC filings.
Thompson was especially notable for his academic prowess. He received the Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key for having the best GPA after graduating from the University of Iowa in 1997 with valedictorian honors.
He was named a Carver, State of Iowa, and faculty scholar, among other accolades. The death of such a prominent and accomplished person continues to shock the business world.
To ascertain the circumstances underlying Thompson’s attack-related death, authorities are doing a comprehensive investigation.
Although no arrests have been made, Crime Stoppers, an organization that works with law enforcement to investigate crimes, has allegedly offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.