Fatal Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The shooting occurred outside the New York Hilton Hotel where Thompson was scheduled to attend UnitedHealthcare's annual investor conference.

Key Facts:

• Victim: Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021.
• Location: Outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
• Time: Wednesday morning, December 4, 2024.
• Suspect: Unknown male, light to medium complexion, wearing a brown or cream colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and a distinctive gray backpack.
• Weapon: 9mm handgun.
• Motive: Unknown, but appears to be a targeted shooting.
• Witnesses: Multiple witnesses observed the shooting.
• Evidence: Three 9mm shell casings recovered at the scene. Police are analyzing video footage and a Citi Bike with GPS tracking used by the suspect.

Sequence of Events:

1. Thompson was walking towards the New York Hilton Hotel to attend the UnitedHealthcare annual investor conference.
2. An unknown gunman approached Thompson from behind and shot him multiple times.
3. The gunman fled on foot, cutting through an alleyway and then hopped on a Citi Bike.
4. Police responded to the scene and found Thompson deceased.

Quotes:

• Witty said of Thompson: "Brian was a truly extraordinary person who touched the lives of countless people throughout our organization and far beyond."
• NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny: "The shooter then walks toward the victim from behind... shoots him in the back."
• CNN: "A gunman, who investigators tell CNN was waiting for some time before Thompson’s arrival, opened fire from 20 feet away, firing multiple times and striking Thompson. Details on the circumstances are not immediately clear, but investigators say it appears to be a targeted shooting."

Current Status:

• The suspect is still at large.
• NYPD Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who killed Brian Thompson.
• Investigators are continuing a video canvass of the area and working with Citi Bike to track the suspect's movements.

Impact:

• UnitedHealthcare Group issued a statement expressing their grief and condolences.
• The company's headquarters in Minnesota lowered its flags to half-staff in honor of Thompson.
• UnitedHealthcare abruptly ended its scheduled conference Wednesday morning, citing "a very serious medical situation with one of our team members."

Further Information:

The investigation is ongoing and new information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline.