Wed Dec 04 17:49:11 UTC 2024: ## UnitedHealthcare CEO Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack in Midtown Manhattan

**New York, NY** – Brian Thompson, 50, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in a “brazen targeted attack” in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, according to New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where the company was holding its annual investor conference.

Police say the gunman, whose face was not visible in released surveillance footage, waited for Mr. Thompson before opening fire, hitting him in the back and leg. The suspect’s pistol jammed during the shooting, but he quickly cleared the malfunction and continued firing. The gunman then fled along Avenue of the Americas and was last seen in Central Park riding an electric Citi Bike. A cellphone recovered from a nearby alley is being analyzed for potential links to the crime. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Investigators believe the attack was premeditated, noting the gunman appeared to know Mr. Thompson’s arrival time and entry point. Sources close to the investigation revealed that Mr. Thompson had recently received threats, the nature and source of which are currently under investigation. While CEOs in the healthcare industry often face threats, police are thoroughly exploring this lead.

News of the shooting spread quickly during the investor conference. UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty addressed the attendees, informing them of the “serious medical situation.” The mood in the room immediately shifted to somberness, with attendees contacting family and friends.

UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing deep sadness and shock at Mr. Thompson’s death, offering condolences to his family. His sister-in-law described him as a good person and loving father of two.

Mr. Thompson had led UnitedHealthcare since 2021, overseeing a division employing approximately 140,000 people. While the company has seen profitable growth, it has also faced scrutiny from federal investigations into allegations of systematically denying healthcare authorizations and a major cyberattack that compromised the data of over 100 million Americans.

Despite the tragedy, police confirmed that the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony, scheduled for that evening, would proceed with heightened security measures. The investigation is ongoing, with police analyzing video surveillance and interviewing those closest to Mr. Thompson.

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