Police have offered up to $10,000 in reward for information surrounding the death of Executive Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson, the chief executive officer of major health insurer UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside a hotel in New York City on Wednesday morning in a “premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack,” authorities said during a press conference. A $10,000 reward from the police department has been offered for information regarding the homicide as a manhunt is underway for the shooter.
Calling the incident a “brazen targeted attack,” police said the suspect was waiting for Thompson before shooting him outside of a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. But while authorities stressed that the killing was “premeditated” and planned, the motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. and was found with gunshot wounds to his back and leg. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Video surveillance showed a hooded man wearing a black mask firing a gun before fleeing the scene, first on foot and later on an e-bike. No arrests have been made.
Police believe Thompson was at the hotel to attend the UnitedHealth Group investors conference that morning.
Thompson has served as the health insurer’s CEO since 2021. “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the C.E.O. of UnitedHealthcare,” the company said in a statement. “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.”
The killing takes place the morning of tonight’s tree lighting at Rockefeller Center. Police said the incident would not affect the holiday event, which is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. with a “massive police presence” that will include plain clothes detail and additional police in the subways.