The head of United Healthcare, one of the largest health insurers in the USA, was shot dead on the street in the middle of Manhattan. The New York police are still looking for the perpetrator – and the motive.
Brian Thompson, head of the insurance company United Healthcare, was killed by a previously unknown gunman in the New York borough of Manhattan. At the time of the crime, Thompson was near Times Square in front of a building where his company was holding an event, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
NYPD Chief Jessica Tisch called the attack a “brazen targeted attack.” The 50-year-old was shot early in the morning in front of the hotel and residential building where a United Healthcare investor conference was taking place. The health insurance company belongs to the United Health Group – one of the largest insurance groups in the USA.
Reward offered to fugitive perpetrator
According to police, Thompson had walked alone from another hotel to the event hotel. The perpetrator fired several shots and hit the 50-year-old in the back and leg, said New York Police Department (NYPD) Chief Inspector Joseph Kenny. Thompson was taken to a hospital in an ambulance, but died there.
According to police, the shooter fled first on foot and then on an electric bicycle into Central Park. The perpetrator is still being searched for. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest. Police helicopters circled over the city.
Motive still unclear
New York Mayor Eric Adams said it was not a “random act of violence.” He said police were examining evidence from the crime scene, including video footage. However, there is still no evidence of a motive.
Thompson's wife told NBC that her husband had been threatened in the past. “What do I know, maybe because of poor care?” she said.
Crime scene near Rockefeller Center
The crime scene in the Manhattan borough is close to tourist destinations such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center. Part of the block containing the crime scene was cordoned off. The traditional lighting of the lights on the Christmas tree in front of Rockefeller Center, which thousands of people come to every year, planned for Wednesday evening, should take place as planned.
At the investor meeting in the hotel, the company's forecast for the coming year was to be presented. Thompson had been executive director for more than three years and was scheduled to speak at the event. In light of Thompson's murder, conference participants were advised that the event would end early.
The NYPD cordoned off the area around the hotel.
Condolences by Governor Walz
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson,” United Health Group said in a statement. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian's family and everyone, who were close to him.”
Gov. Tim Walz, a former Democratic vice presidential candidate, expressed his condolences to Thompson's family and business on Platform X. “This is terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care communities,” he wrote.
