TRAGIC: UnitedHealthcare CEO Fatally Shot in Targeted Midtown Attack [VIDEO]

Manhunt Intensifies as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is Fatally Shot in a Premeditated Midtown Manhattan Attack, Sparking Outrage and Nationwide Mourning

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday in what police describe as a “brazen, targeted attack.” The incident unfolded as Thompson, 51, walked toward the Hilton Midtown, where his company’s annual investor conference was being held.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) said the assailant, masked in the early morning cold, was lying in wait before opening fire on Thompson at West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was premeditated.

“This was a deliberate act,” Tisch said during a news conference. “The suspect ignored bystanders, targeting only Thompson.”

Attack Caught on Camera

Surveillance footage obtained by authorities shows the shooter stepping out from behind a car and firing multiple times at Thompson. Even when the firearm malfunctioned, the gunman swiftly cleared the jam and resumed firing, a skill police believe indicates possible military or law enforcement training.

THE LINK TO THE VIDEO

Thompson was hit at least twice—once in the back and once in the calf. Emergency responders transported him to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 7 a.m.

The suspect fled the scene on foot before switching to an electric bike, last seen heading into Central Park. Police are scouring nearby areas but have not recovered the bike or the weapon.

Cryptic Clues at the Crime Scene

Investigators found cryptic messages on the suspect’s ammunition. The words “delay” and “depose” were discovered on a live round and a shell casing, potentially pointing to a motive linked to the insurance industry’s controversial mantra: “delay, deny, defend.”

Additionally, a phone and water bottle left in an alley near the crime scene are being analyzed for DNA and fingerprints. Surveillance footage from a nearby Starbucks shows the suspect purchasing water and energy bars minutes before the attack.

UnitedHealthcare and Law Enforcement React

UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, abruptly canceled the investor conference following the incident. CEO Andrew Witty addressed employees in a video, calling Thompson “a truly extraordinary person” and expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.

The company also revealed it had been aware of threats against high-level executives, though none specifically targeted Thompson. His widow, Paulette, confirmed to NBC News that her husband had previously mentioned receiving threats but did not elaborate.

Community and Government Leaders Respond

Flags were lowered to half-staff at UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters in Minnesota. State and national leaders, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, condemned the act as a “horrifying and shocking” loss to the business and healthcare communities.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul assured residents that state police are assisting the NYPD in their investigation. A $10,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the gunman’s arrest.

Who Was Brian Thompson?

Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, leading the largest health insurer in the U.S. His leadership extended to over 50 million members and contributed to the success of parent company UnitedHealth Group, the fourth-largest company on the Fortune 500 list.

A father of two, Thompson was remembered by colleagues and loved ones as a generous and talented leader. “Brian was an incredibly loving father who touched so many lives,” his widow said.

Ongoing Investigation

As the manhunt intensifies, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about the suspect. NYPD Crime Stoppers is offering the reward for leads in solving what Commissioner Tisch called “a cold and calculated act of violence.”