Manhattan Murder + Manhunt: UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot & Killed in New York City

A massive manhunt is underway in Manhattan following the shocking murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of one of the nation’s largest health insurers. The attack, described by police as a “brazen, targeted assault,” occurred early Wednesday morning in Midtown, a bustling hub of business and tourism.

Investigators revealed that the gunman lay in wait outside the New York Hilton Midtown before ambushing Thompson as he approached an entrance around 6:45 a.m. Surveillance footage obtained by The New York Times captures the chilling sequence: the attacker walks up behind Thompson, opens fire, and continues shooting after a brief pistol jam. Thompson, 50, is seen stumbling and turning toward his assailant before collapsing on the sidewalk. The shooter then fled the scene.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed that the gunman specifically targeted Thompson, ignoring other pedestrians in the area. The attack occurred on 54th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, where police recovered three shell casings. Following the shooting, the assailant escaped on an electric Citi Bike and was later spotted in Central Park.

The NYPD is looking into a possible message left by the shooter, who engraved the words “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” on the bullets and shell casings found at the scene. The masked gunman shot 50-year-old Brian Thompson several times around 6:46 a.m. before escaping.

These words closely resemble a phrase from a 2010 book criticizing the insurance industry, where Thompson was a prominent figure.

The search for the perpetrator continues, with authorities intensifying efforts to bring the killer to justice.

 

Details of the Incident

In a shocking and tragic event, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan on the morning of December 4, 2024. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. as Thompson, 50, prepared for UnitedHealth Group’s annual investor conference at the hotel.

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the assailant, described as a masked individual wearing a cream-colored jacket and carrying a gray backpack, waited outside the hotel for several minutes before approaching Thompson from behind and firing multiple shots. Thompson sustained gunshot wounds to his back and leg and was immediately transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The gunman fled the scene on foot and was later seen riding an electric bike northbound on Sixth Avenue, last spotted entering Central Park. Despite an extensive manhunt involving drones, helicopters, and K-9 units, the suspect remains at large. The NYPD has released surveillance images of the suspect and is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Investigation and Possible Motives

Authorities are treating the shooting as a “brazen, targeted attack.” Thompson’s wife, Paulette, revealed that he had received threats related to his work, possibly concerning healthcare coverage issues.

Adding a chilling dimension to the crime, shell casings recovered at the scene had the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” engraved on them. These terms are reminiscent of strategies often associated with insurance claim denials, leading to speculation about the attacker’s motives.

Professional Background

Brian Thompson had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004, serving in various leadership roles before being appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. Under his leadership, the company continued to expand its footprint in the healthcare industry.

Earlier this year, UnitedHealth Group faced significant challenges, including a massive cyberattack on its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, which disrupted services nationwide. Thompson was among the executives scrutinized during congressional hearings about the company’s cybersecurity measures.

Community and Industry Reactions

UnitedHealth Group expressed profound sadness over Thompson’s death, describing him as a “highly respected colleague and friend.” The company is cooperating fully with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the business community, with leaders across various sectors expressing condolences and emphasizing the need for swift justice.

Ongoing Investigation

The NYPD continues investigating the incident, analyzing forensic evidence, and interviewing potential witnesses. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the suspect.

This tragic event underscores the vulnerabilities that even prominent business leaders can face and highlights the importance of addressing threats seriously. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrator to justice and supporting Thompson’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.