The CEO of UnitedHealthcare has been fatally shot in New York City in what police said was a “pre-planned, targeted attack.”
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton hotel in Manhattan’s Midtown shortly before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, the New York City Police Department confirmed at a press conference late Wednesday morning. The New York Post had been the first to report Thompson was the victim.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said authorities are dealing with a “premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.”
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added the “motive for this murder currently is unknown.”
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” he added.
No arrests have been made and officers are still searching for the gunman, who was last spotted in Central Park on an e-bike.
A New York Police Department spokesperson earlier confirmed details of the incident to HuffPost.
“When officers arrived, they observed a 50-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the leg and chest,” the spokesperson said. Thompson was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
The shooting happened during the company’s annual investor conference in the city.
According to CNBC, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty abruptly halted the meeting just after 8 a.m.
“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” Witty reportedly said. “As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event.”
At the press conference, police officials described the suspect as a white male dressed in black clothing and wearing a face mask. They also highlighted his “very distinctive gray backpack.”
Based on video from the scene, the shooter approached Thompson from behind and shot him in the back, Kenny said. As he approaches Thompson, the suspect has to clear a jam in the weapon, before firing again. “The shooter then flees on foot,” Kenny added.
Reports had suggested that the attacker used a silencer, but Kenny said video only shows “a glimpse of the gun ... so we’re not able to make a determination on whether or not a silencer was used.”
The press conference heard Thompson left the hotel by himself, and he did not appear to have a security detail.
The Hilton hotel is in the heart of Manhattan, close to tourist hotspots such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.
Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the nation’s largest health insurers, and part of the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.
The company’s website states Thompson has served as CEO for more than three years, having joined the company in 2004. He lived in Minnesota.
Speaking to NBC News, Thompson’s wife said her husband had recently received “some threats.”
Referring to her husband’s job in health insurance, Paulette Thompson said, “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details.”
CORRECTION: This story was amended to correct the day of the shooting.