CEO of Major Insurance Company Killed in Possible Targeted Attack

Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, was killed outside of a New York City hotel on Wednesday morning in what authorities believe to be a targeted attack.

Thompson, 50, was arriving at a midtown Hilton around 6:46 a.m. for the firm’s annual Investor Day conference. Law enforcement told The New York Post that a masked man, who had been waiting outside the hotel, fired several times at Thompson before fleeing down crowded 6th Avenue. Thompson was shot in the chest; he was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The conference was canceled due to “a very serious medical situation,” according to a statement issued by Andrew Witty, the CEO of umbrella company UnitedHealth Group.

Authorities have not identified a suspect in Thompson’s murder and say the investigation is ongoing. Witnesses reported that the suspect was seen pacing back and forth in front of the Hilton prior to Thompson’s arrival. He was described as a caucasian man wearing a black face mask, a cream-colored jacket, black and white sneakers, and was carrying a grey backpack. He fled into the Ziegfeld alleyway, where he hopped on a bicycle to make his escape.

Thompson worked with United for 20 years and took on the position of CEO in 2021. “Brian’s experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, leading to continued and sustained long-term growth,” Witty said.