Article content
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
Article content
Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investor meeting when he was gunned down about 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown by a shooter who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park, according to the New York Police Department.
Article content
The alleged shooter remained at large as of mid-day Wednesday, and police said the investigation was ongoing.
What is UnitedHealthcare?
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the health-care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc. The company, based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, is the largest health insurer in the U.S., and manages health insurance coverage for employers, state-funded and federally funded Medicaid programs.
It was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors in New York to provide an update on its direction and expectations for the coming year, according to a company media advisory. An announcement was made to attendees Wednesday morning that the conference was ending early.
Who was Brian Thompson?
Thompson, aged 50, had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare for more than three years and had been with the company since 2004.
In 2021, when he took over as CEO, he’d been working in finance positions across the business. A certified public accountant, Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in business in 1997. He worked at PwC in Minneapolis-St. Paul before joining UnitedHealth, according to his LinkedIn page.
Thompson went by the nickname “BT” and regularly presented at investor events and on earnings calls. The insurance unit he oversaw is expected to bring in US$280 billion in revenue this year.
Brian Thompson’s sister-in-law, Elena Reveiz, told The New York Times that Thompson was father to two children.
What has the reaction been?
Jessica Tisch, the New York City police commissioner, called the killing a “brazen, targeted attack.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called it a “horrific and targeted shooting.”
Mayor Eric Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video, noting: “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” He wrote: “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.”
Article content
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague,” UnitedHealth said in a statement. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
A spokesperson for the New York Hilton Midtown said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy.”
Who was the shooter?
Officials said the attack appeared to be targeted, but they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.
Early reports suggest that the alleged attacker was waiting for Thompson upon his arrival at the hotel, according to a person familiar with the investigation. Thompson was shot from about 20 feet away before the attacker fled on foot, this person said.
The suspect was described as a white man wearing a cream-coloured coat, black and white sneakers, a grey backpack and a black face mask, according to police.
— With files from Bloomberg and The Associated Press
Recommended from Editorial
Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our newsletters here.
Share this article in your social network
