Police said Wednesday morning’s shooting outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan appeared to have been a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack” that killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.
According to CNBC and a New York City Police Department spokesperson, the suspect shot 50-year-old Brian Thompson in the knee and chest at approximately 6:46 a.m. while he was outside the hotel on Sixth Avenue.
The New York Post was the first to report on the shooting.
At Mount Sinai West, Thompson was declared deceased.
Paulette Thompson, his wife, claimed that he had been getting threats.
“There had been some threats,” she told NBC News throughout a phone discussion. “Basically, a lack of coverage, I guess? Details are unknown to me. All I know is that he said that certain individuals had been threatening him.
According to her, the police informed her that the shooting seems to have been “a planned attack.”
“At this moment, I am unable to provide a meaningful response. I’m trying to comfort my kids after learning this,” she continued.
According to authorities, no one has been arrested as of Wednesday morning. A $10,000 prize for information was being offered by Crime Stoppers.
The guy was carrying a gray backpack and was dressed in black jeans and a black hoodie, a person with knowledge of the situation told CNBC. The suspect is thought to have used a gun with a silencer.
Although he did not hear any gunshots, a food cart seller close to the location informed NBC News that he did see two helicopters and police cars nearby.
The parent firm, UnitedHealth Group, unexpectedly stopped its annual investor conference Wednesday morning in New York City because of a “very serious medical situation” involving one of its team members.
According to his biographical page, Thompson was appointed CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. In 2004, he became a member of UnitedHealth Group.
Prior to this, he was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s government programs, which included Community & State and Medicare & Retirement. In addition, he oversaw UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement as its CEO.
The UnitedHealth Group expressed its “deep sadness and shock” upon Thompson’s passing.
According to a statement released by the company, “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” “Our hearts go out to Brian s family and all who were close to him.”
The story is still evolving. For updates, please return.
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