NEW YORK — Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. Police say the suspect used a silencer and fled into Central Park to escape.
The gunman, who remains at large, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were found on shell casings at the scene where Thompson was gunned down.
Video surveillance showed the gunman waiting outside the hotel where he shot Thompson around 6:40 a.m., police said.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a statement that she’s “shattered” by the “senseless killing.”
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said. “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
Thompson was in New York for the UnitedHealthcare investors conference.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam and begins to fire again,” police said.
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world, said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson.”
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted. “Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
Police said Thompson did not have a security detail with him.
“Speaking to other employees that traveled with him to New York, it doesn’t seem like he had a security detail,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters. “He left the hotel by himself, was walking, didn’t seem like he had any issues at at all.”
