A manhunt is underway in New York City for the assailant who fatally shot Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, near the Hilton hotel in Midtown. The targeted attack occurred around 6:45 AM, leading to Thompson’s death at Mount Sinai West Hospital. Authorities are investigating a mobile phone found at the scene and have released images of the suspect, who fled on a rental bike. Thompson had received prior threats, although police were unaware of any specific risks to him.
Intense Manhunt for CEO’s Assailant in New York City
A significant manhunt has been unfolding in New York City for several hours now, as law enforcement agencies deploy drones and K9 units in search of the individual who allegedly shot Brian Thompson in the bustling heart of Manhattan. While certain details about the suspect’s appearance have emerged, including aspects of his clothing, his identity and motive remain a mystery.
The tragic incident occurred shortly before dawn, when the shooter targeted Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. Initial investigations suggest that the assailant ambushed Thompson near the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan at approximately 6:45 AM. Reports indicate that the attacker fired multiple shots from behind, and after Thompson collapsed, he fled the scene. Emergency responders rushed Thompson to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigation into Targeted Assault
Authorities believe that Thompson was specifically targeted. Jessica Tisch, New York’s police commissioner, stated during a press briefing, “Everything indicates that this was a deliberate, planned, and targeted assault.” In an effort to identify the shooter, police have released several images of the suspect and discovered a mobile phone near the crime scene, which is currently under investigation to determine its ownership.
The crime scene was well-witnessed, with bystanders present during the shooting and surveillance cameras capturing the event. Footage shows the alleged assailant, dressed in black and carrying a gray backpack, entering a Starbucks shortly before the attack. The video reveals him approaching Thompson from behind outside the hotel and struggling with his weapon after the initial shots were fired. The suspect fled on foot before making his escape northward on a rental bike.
After a thorough search, the suspect’s trail went cold in Central Park, where he was last recorded at 6:48 AM. As of now, no arrests have been made related to this case.
Brian Thompson, 50, was scheduled to address attendees at the Hilton hotel on the day of the shooting, where the annual investor conference for United Health was taking place. The conference was promptly canceled following the incident.
United Health expressed their sorrow in a statement, describing Thompson as “a highly respected colleague and friend” to all who knew him. Having been with the company since 2004, Thompson held various positions and became the head of the insurance division in 2021, after previously leading the Medicare department for seniors.
Residing in Minnesota, Thompson was a family man with two sons and a wife. Reports revealed that he had received threats from several individuals, although he did not disclose specific details. The local police department has stated that they were not aware of any threats against him, nor had he reached out to them for assistance.
United Health, the largest health insurer in the United States and a significant player globally, boasts a market capitalization exceeding $550 billion. The company, which includes the health insurance division and the subsidiary Optum, has recently been in the news due to an antitrust lawsuit. The Justice Department filed a civil lawsuit in November, accusing United Health of attempting to bolster its market influence by acquiring Amedsys, a provider of home health care and hospice services.
Thompson faced charges related to this antitrust case, along with two other executives accused of selling $120 million worth of company stock before the investigation became public knowledge. The company stated that these transactions had been approved.
In the wake of Thompson’s death, United Health’s stock showed minimal reaction. Prior to the conference, the company had projected considerable profit growth for 2025, anticipating annual revenues between $450 billion and $455 billion.
The tragic shooting occurred in a busy area of Manhattan, a hub for both business and tourism. The Hilton hotel, where the incident took place, has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and prestigious ceremonies. Coincidentally, just blocks away, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center was being held that evening amidst tight security measures. Authorities believe the suspect does not pose a threat to the general public at this time.