Gunman at large after UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in apparent targeted attack, law enforcement official says

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in an apparent targeted attack. Mandatory Credit: UnitedHealth Group via CNN Newsource

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in an apparent targeted attack as he was about to attend the company’s annual investor conference, a law enforcement official tells CNN. The gunman remains on the loose.

Brian Thompson was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a suit and tie, to attend UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference being held in the ballroom.

A gunman, masked in the freezing temperatures, waited for about 10 minutes before Thompson’s arrival before opening fire multiple times, striking Thompson from about 20 feet away, investigators tell CNN.

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CNN reports from scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO was fatally shot

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan, a law enforcement official tells CNN. A gunman, who investigators tell CNN was waiting for some time before Thompson’s arrival at a company event being held at a hotel, opened fire from 20 feet away firing multiple times, striking Thompson. CNN's Brynn Gingras reports from the scene. Source:CNN

The gunman fled, cutting through an alleyway and hopping on to a bicycle, the official told CNN. Investigators are continuing to canvas the area. Police currently believe that the suspect fled into Central Park.

The 50-year-old executive was shot in the chest. Responding emergency workers took him to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.

The shooting happened in Midtown Manhattan, at West 53rd Street and 6th Avenue.

The manager of a parking garage across the street from the hotel, told CNN he was inside the garage office at the time of the shooting and did not hear gunshots.

The suspect shot Thompson with what appeared to be a silencer, according to a law enforcement official

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department,” a New York Hilton Midtown general manager told CNN, noting that Thompson was not a registered guest at the hotel.

Details on the circumstances are not immediately clear, but investigators say it appears to be a targeted shooting. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD said. Police are expected to provide a briefing on the incident at 11:30 a.m.

CNN has reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment.

Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fifth in the Fortune 500, according to the company.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, abruptly ended its scheduled conference Wednesday morning, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.” The company did not comment further.

Minnesota Governor and former Vice Presidential candidate, Tim Walz, called Thompson’s death “a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.”

“This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota,” Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a post on X Wednesday morning.

“I’m horrified by the assassination of my constituent, Brian Thompson, this morning in NYC and have his family in my prayers,” Congressman Dean Phillips, of Minnesota’s 3rd District, wrote.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

CNN’s John Miller, David Goldman and Brynn Gingras reported from New York. Amanda Musa and Rebekah Riess reported and wrote from Atlanta.