Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was tragically killed in what authorities describe as a targeted shooting outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning.
The 50-year-old executive was arriving at the hotel at approximately 6:46 a.m. to attend an industry conference when a masked assailant lying in wait opened fire.
Surveillance footage shows the gunman, dressed in a hooded coat and mask, aiming at Thompson on Sixth Avenue before fleeing the scene on a bicycle: police.
Thompson sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. First responders attempted CPR on the scene, as captured in harrowing video footage, and rushed him to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Authorities believe the attack was premeditated and targeted, with no indications that it was a random act of violence.
“It appears as though this was a targeted murder,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference. “We will apprehend the individual responsible.”
The suspect is described as a white male wearing a coat, black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect loitering near the hotel