Brian Thompson, CEO of US healthcare and insurance giant UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outside a hotel in Manhattan, New York, last night. Police are searching for a suspect who witnesses say fled the scene on an electric bicycle.
The murder occurred early Wednesday morning as the company was hosting an event for investors at a Manhattan hotel. Witnesses say the gunman waited outside the building and then shot Brian Thompson at point-blank range.
Based on the manner in which the attack was carried out, the New York Police Department suspects that Brian Thompson’s murder was both planned and targeted. They have released footage that they believe shows the suspected shooter firing at Thompson.
Surveillance video shows Brian Thompson, dressed in a blue suit, walking down a quiet street. The gunman approaches him from behind and opens fire. Thompson stumbles forward as a witness runs to safety.
The gunman continues to fire as Thompson falls to the ground, then flees the scene on a city rental bike.
The New York Police Department has offered a reward of more than $10,000 for information in the case.
WARNING GRAPHIC: UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson assassinated. You can only see this uncensored on X. On traditional news media, it’s blurred out. $UNH
pic.twitter.com/APn7ipPXh0— Stock Viking, Ph.D. (@StockViking) December 5, 2024
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New York City Police Commissioner Joseph Kenny said the gunman arrived at the scene about five minutes before the shooting and was waiting for Brian Thompson.
Brian Thompson’s wife says there have been threats in the past, but the circumstances surrounding them are unclear.
With a market capitalization of more than $560 billion, UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurance company in the United States.
Brian Thompson, CEO of the company’s insurance arm since 2021, had worked for the group for over 20 years. UnitedHealthcare describes him as a highly valued colleague and expresses great shock and sadness over the incident, NBC reports.
Tragic news in Midtown Manhattan as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot, leading to a frantic manhunt for the suspect. Details are still emerging about the victim and the investigation. Sending thoughts to all affected. ️ #BrianThompson #UnitedHealthcare #B… pic.twitter.com/U5omv2zoUq
— TOP X News (@TOPXNews) December 5, 2024
Facts: UnitedHealthcare
- Founded: 1977
- Headquarters: Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
- Business: Largest health insurer in the US, offering health services and insurance
- Market capitalization: Approximately SEK 6 130 billion (2024).
- Owner: Subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, one of the world's largest health companies.
- Employees: Over 400 000 globally.
