UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot dead in NYC attack

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, according to media reports.

The New York Times reports that Thompson was on his way to the UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference being held in the New York Hilton Hotel ballroom in Midtown Manhattan. The attack took place at about 6:45 a.m. as Thompson walked on Sixth Avenue near 54th Street.

A gunman waited for about 10 minutes before Thompson’s arrival, before opening fire from 20 feet away shooting multiple times, striking Thompson in the chest, according to a CNN report.

Thompson, 50, was named CEO for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. Prior to taking that role, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs, including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. Before leading government programs, Thompson served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.

Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and has held numerous leadership positions including chief financial officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Employer & Individual, Community & State and Medicare & Retirement businesses. In addition, Thompson has served as the financial controller for UnitedHealthcare's Employer & Individual business and a director in Corporate Development.

New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, and Jeffrey Maddrey, chief of department, will hold a news conference at 1 Police Plaza at 11:30 a.m., the police said.