On Wednesday, December 4, an unidentified man fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, outside the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Thompson was to attend the annual investor UnitedHealthcare conference when the shooter opened fire, hitting 50-year-old Thompson in the chest. He was quickly rushed to the Mount Sinai Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The NYPD has not arrested any suspects at this time but believes that this was a targeted shooting. According to them, the masked gunman was waiting for Thompson to arrive. Once he saw him, he opened fire from 20 feet away, according to CNN. He arrived at Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his wounds.

“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group said. UnitedHealthcare is part of the UnitedHealth Group and Brian Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021.

According to the New York Post, the shooter was carrying a grey backpack, wearing a black mask, a cream-colored jacket, and black and white sneakers. Witnesses spotted the shooter walking around 6th Avenue, close to the New York Hilton Hotel. Investigators believe that the shooter was not a guest at the UnitedHealthcare annual investor conference.

Following the shooting, the gunman, reportedly, fled the scene through a Ziegfeld alleyway and then used a bike to escape. Investigations are ongoing.

Brian Thompson, CEO

Brian Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, according to the group’s website. Before becoming UnitedHealthcare CEO, he served as chief financial officer for “UnitedHealthcare’s Employer & Individual, Community & State and Medicare & Retirement businesses.”

UnitedHealth Group ranks fourth in the Fortune 500. It describes itself as a “health care and well-being company” looking to help individuals live healthier and aiming to improve the existing health system. Furthermore, they work alongside healthcare professionals and support “physician/patient” relationships, looking to “expand access to high-quality health care” and “empower people with the information, guidance, and tools they need to make personal health choices and decisions.”