NYC CEO Murder: A Premeditated Attack in Midtown Manhattan

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in what police described as a premeditated and targeted attack outside the New York Hilton hotel on Wednesday morning. The 50-year-old executive was on his way to a company investor conference when he was shot multiple times.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2024-12/241204-brian-thompson-united-health-mn-0915-7c60eb.png" alt="Brian Thompson, chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare.">

The Attack

Security footage shows the gunman approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated the shooter "was lying in wait for several minutes" before the attack. The gunman, described as wearing a black hoodie and pants with a gray backpack, fired a firearm that likely had a silencer, then fled on foot and a rental bike. He was last seen in Central Park. No arrests have been made, but a $10,000 reward is offered for information.

The Motive

While the motive remains unknown, police believe the shooting was targeted. Thompson's wife revealed that he had recently received threats, although the specifics remain unclear.

UnitedHealth's Response

UnitedHealth Group, Thompson's parent company, abruptly ended its investor conference following the incident, expressing deep sadness and shock at the loss of their CEO. The company described Thompson as a highly respected colleague and friend.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities actively pursuing the suspect. The NYPD is urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2024-12/241204-brian-thompson-shooting-new-york-mn-1210-aee13a.jpg" alt="An image from a surveillance camera shows the individual sought in connection to the shooting of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.">