UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot dead in Midtown Manhattan, masked gunman at large

[ad_1] Brian Thompson, the CEO of main insurance coverage group UnitedHealthcare, was shot to demise at level clean vary in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning earlier than he was set to attend an investor convention, in keeping with police sources.

The masked gunman, who stays on the unfastened, gave the impression to be mendacity in wait and shot Thompson a number of occasions, sources mentioned.

The taking pictures, which was reported round 6:40 a.m., seems to be focused however police have no idea why, sources mentioned.

Police investigators on the scene the place UnitedHealthcare's CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in an obvious focused assault as he was en-route to to attend UnitedHealthcare's annual investor convention in New York, Dec. 4, 2024.

Justin Lane/EPA by way of Shutterstock

"This was not a random act of violence," New York Metropolis Mayor Eric Adams mentioned. "It seems as if it's a focused homicide."

Thompson, 50, was in New York Metropolis for the UnitedHealthcare traders convention and his schedule was broadly recognized, police sources mentioned.

This undated picture supplied by UnitedHealth Group reveals UnitedHealthcare chief govt officer Brian Thompson.

UnitedHealth Group by way of AP

The convention was being held on the Hilton outdoors of which he was shot, however he was not staying there, sources mentioned. The resort is by the intersection of West 54th Avenue and Sixth Avenue.

The convention was scheduled to start out at 8 a.m. ET and the gunman seems to have arrived hours beforehand, in keeping with police sources.

ABC Information obtained this picture of the suspect.

Obtained by ABC Information

The shooter seems to have recognized which door Thompson was going to enter, with the CEO shot a number of occasions at level clean vary within the doorway on West 54 Avenue, police sources mentioned.

The suspect ran north by way of the midblock alleyway by the Ziegfeld Ballroom, positioned throughout the road from the Hilton, after which jumped on a bicycle and fled, police sources mentioned.

The scene of a taking pictures in Midtown NYC on Dec. 4, 2024.

WABC

A New York police officer walks outdoors a resort in midtown Manhattan, Dec. 4, 2024, in New York.

Joe Frederick/AP

"We're simply so unhappy proper now," Elena Reveiz, the sister of Thompson's spouse, advised ABC Information by cellphone.

Reveiz mentioned she was particularly apprehensive about Thompson's two youngsters and referred to as the CEO a great father.

UnitedHealthcare's guardian firm, UnitedHealth Group, the biggest well being insurer on the earth, mentioned in an announcement, "We're deeply saddened and shocked on the passing of our expensive pal and colleague Brian Thompson."

The scene of a taking pictures in Midtown NYC on Dec. 4, 2024.

WABC

"Brian was a extremely revered colleague and pal to all who labored with him," the corporate mentioned. "We're working carefully with the New York Police Division and ask to your endurance and understanding throughout this tough time. Our hearts exit to Brian’s household and all who have been near him."

Thompson lived in Minnesota, the place the corporate is predicated.

"That is horrifying information and a horrible loss for the enterprise and well being care group in Minnesota," Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted. "Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s household and the UnitedHealthcare crew."