New York City police have released new photos of the suspected gunman in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson as the manhunt intensifies.
Thompson, 50, was set to speak at an investor meeting on Wednesday morning when he was gunned down around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was taken to Mount Sinai West where he was pronounced dead.
Police say Thompson was “specifically targeted” in the “brazen attack” by a gunman who is still at large after fleeing the scene on an e-bike. The suspect is described as a white male dressed entirely in black, with a black ski mask, and carrying a gray backpack.
Photos from surveillance footgae show the hooded suspect standing in front of the counter at a Starbucks at West 56th Street and 6th Avenue just minutes before the shooting at the nearby hotel.
While the attack appears to be targeted, police said they do not yet have a motive for the shooting. NYPD Crime Stoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
Thompson, who was also a father of two, joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting at the hotel at 8 a.m.
Elena Reveiz, Thompson’s sister-in-law, told The New York Times that she is still processing the news but said that her brother “was a good person, and I am so sad.”
KEY POINTS
- UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson is shot and killed in New York City
- Shocking video shows CEO gunned down in ‘targeted attack’
- Suspected gunman in nearby Starbucks minutes before shooting
- What we know about the suspect as manhunt intensifies
- Shooting of CEO appears to be a ‘brazen targeted attack’
- Wife reveals murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO had received ‘some threats’
UnitedHealthcare CEO gunned down in Manhattan sold company stocks just before DOJ probe made public
04:05
Graig Graziosi
The healthcare CEO shot and killed in New York on Wednesday was one of several senior executives at UnitedHealthcare who sold stock after an antitrust investigation had been launched by the Department of Justice but not yet made public, according to a Crain’s New York Business report from April.
Thompson, 50, was killed in what police are calling a “targeted shooting”.
In February, Thompson sold shares of the company’s stock options worth $15.1 million just two weeks before the DOJ announced its probe into the company.READ MORE:
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting prompts global corporate security video call
02:47
Graig Graziosi
The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson prompted corporate security officers from global Fortune 500 companies to hold a video call on Wednesday afternoon to discuss safety measures.
An expert who participated on the call told the New York Times that the the discussions included best practices and noted that top-level security officers were being pressed by executives to prepare safety presentations outlining their current security programs and practices.
Gunman reportedly fled Brian Thompson shooting scene on a Citi Bike
01:00
Graig Graziosi
Investigators believe the person who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fled the scene using an electric Citi Bike. Police officers were gathered near a Citi Bike kiosk near Madison Avenue and 82nd street on Wednesday afternoon canvassing the nearby buildings to see if anyone had information on the gunman.
Law enforcement officials will no doubt be collecting surveillance video from the area to scan it for signs of the suspect.
As of Wednesday evening, the gunman remains at large.
UPDATED: Everything we know about murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
00:05
Graig Graziosi
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in what police described as a “brazen targeted attack” in Manhattan early Wednesday.
A massive manhunt is underway for the unidentified shooter, who fled the scene on a bike. Police are searching for a motive, and had yet to make an arrest as of Wednesday afternoon.
Here’s everything we know so far about the fatal attack on the 50-year-old insurance CEO:READ MORE:
Family, government leaders mourn slain CEO
Wednesday 4 December 2024 23:00
Andrea Cavallier
Brian Thompson’s family members are in mourning as they process the news of his murder.
His sister Elena Reveiz told The New York Times that her brother was a “good person, and I am so sad.”
Thompson’s brother Mark previously told The Independent he was not yet ready to comment on the situation.
Former vice presidential candidate and current Minnesota governor Tim Walz posted his condolences on social media.
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” Walz wrote. “Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she has been briefed on the situation and also offered her condolences to Thompson’s family.
“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson, and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Hochul said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also assured residents the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence.
“We want to be clear to New Yorkers that this does not appear to be a random act of violence,” Adams said on Wednesday.
Thompson is a father of two. Before taking the CEO job in 2021, he worked as the company’s head of government programs.
A timeline of how the Midtown CEO shooting unfolded
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:40
Andrea Cavallier
Thompson was en route to the New York Hilton Midtown, where he was set to speak at an investor meeting, when he was shot and killed by a gunman who fled on foot and then took an e-bike into Central Park, according to the New York Police Department.
Here’s a timeline of how the brazen attack unfolded, according to the NYPD based on preliminary information and surveillance video:
Shocking video shows CEO gunned down in ‘targeted attack’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:20
Andrea Cavallier
Fox News attempts to link UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting to migrants in New York City
Wednesday 4 December 2024 22:00
Andrea Cavallier
Suspected gunman in nearby Starbucks minutes before shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:40
Andrea Cavallier
The NYPD released new photos Wednesday afternoon that show the suspect standing in front of the counter at a Starbucks at West 56th Street and 6th Avenue just minutes before the shooting at the nearby hotel.
Everything we know about murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:20
Andrea Cavallier
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in what police described as a “brazen targeted attack” in Manhattan early Wednesday.
Here’s everything we know so far about the fatal attack on the 50-year-old insurance CEO:
What is UnitedHealthcare?
Wednesday 4 December 2024 21:00
Andrea Cavallier
Police are searching for a masked gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest insurer in the United States and is connected to a network of more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals across nearly 7,000 facilities.
Josh Marcus reports:
Police release new photos of UnitedHealthcare CEO gunman
Wednesday 4 December 2024 20:00
Andrea Cavallier
Is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting still happening tonight?
Wednesday 4 December 2024 19:20
Andrea Cavallier
The Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony is still expected to continue today, despite the targeted shooting of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, that happened a few blocks over this morning.
As the tree has already been decorated by the plaza’s crew, it’s now time for this year’s Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will be held later this evening.
Read more:
Three live 9mm rounds and three discharged 9mm shell casings found at the scene
Wednesday 4 December 2024 19:00
Andrea Cavallier
WATCH: Officials reveal Brian Thompson’s shooting appears to be a ‘brazen targeted attack’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 18:40
Andrea Cavallier
Wife reveals murdered UnitedHealthcare CEO had received ‘some threats’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 18:20
Andrea Cavallier
Thompson’s wife said her husband had recently received threats from angry customers over complaints she believed may have had to do with “a lack of coverage.”
“I don’t know details,” Paulette Thompson told NBC News. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
Justin Rohrlich reports:
Police release images of suspect in CEO shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 18:00
Andrea Cavallier
Slain CEO’s wife said he had been receiving threats
Wednesday 4 December 2024 17:40
Andrea Cavallier
Paulette Thompson, the wife of slain CEO Brian Thompson, revealed to NBC News on Wednesday that he had been receiving threats before his killing.
“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call with the outlet. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.
Police say the killing was a targeted attack, but do not yet have a motive.
“The motive for this murder is currently unknown but based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear the victim was specifically targeted,” Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters. “But at this point, we do not know why.”
Suspect believed to have used a ‘silent gun’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 17:35
Andrea Cavallier
A food cart vendor near the scene of the shooting on Wednesday told NBC News that he did not hear any gunshots.
It’s believed the suspect possibly used a firearm with a silencer in the shooting of Thompson.
UnitedHealth Group releases statement about shooting of CEO
Wednesday 4 December 2024 17:30
Andrea Cavallier
UnitedHealth Group released a statement just before noon.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
CEO shot in the back outside of hotel
Wednesday 4 December 2024 17:24
Andrea Cavallier
Brian Thompson was shot in the back multiple times outside of the hotel this morning, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at the presser.
Kenny said the suspect arrived at the scene about five minutes before the shooting and fired a shot at Thompson’s back.
“The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot,” he said. “It appears that the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again.”
Christmas tree lighting ceremony will go on as planned
Wednesday 4 December 2024 17:18
Andrea Cavallier
The Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center will go on as planned, police said at the press conference.
Tourists and locals will flock to the popular event this evening at Rockefeller Center, which is about four blocks from where the shooting took place.
Watch Live: United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was ‘specifically targeted,’ NYPD says
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:54
Andrea Cavallier
Shooting of CEO Brian Thompson was a ‘brazen targeted attack’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:50
Andrea Cavallier
The press conference is now happening at 1 Police Plaza.
Newly appointed police commissioner Jessica Tisch called the killing a “brazen targeted attack.”
Hilton hotel staff ‘shaken’ by fatal shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:36
Andrea Cavallier
Mark Sanders, the general manager of the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, wrote in an email that the hotel staff was shaken by the deadly shooting, according to The New York Times.
The hotel is where the crime took place this morning.
“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy,” he said.
Police release surveillance photos of suspect in CEO shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:32
Andrea Cavallier
Mayor Eric Adams responds to Midtown shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:29
Andrea Cavallier
Mayor Eric Adams told reporters on Wednesday that the early morning killing of CEO Brian Thompson appeared to be targeted.
“We want to be clear to New Yorkers that this does not appear to be a random act of violence,” he said.
‘We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 16:05
Andrea Cavallier
A New York Hilton Midtown spokesperson commented on the shooting outside their hotel.
“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy,” the spokesperson told CNN.
“Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department.”
What we know about the suspect as manhunt is underway
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:51
Andrea Cavallier
The suspected gunman reportedly waited for Thompson outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan for 10 minutes before opening fire on him when he arrived.
He then fled through an alleyway, hopped on a bicycle and it’s believed he fled to Central Park.
The suspect was described by witnesses at the scene as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket and a black ski mask.
Like Thompson, he also was not a guest at the hotel, but was seen loitering in the vicinity prior to opening fire on the victim.
The police said they would offer $10,000 to anyone with information regarding the shooting of Thompson, according to The New York Times.
Two surveillance photos – one of the gunman holding a firearm and the other of him on a bicycle – are set to be released.
Who was UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:46
Andrea Cavallier
Brian Thompson, who joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, was reportedly shot in the chest on Wednesday morning.
Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton at 8 a.m. when he was shot outside the hotel around 6:46a.m. in what police believe was a targeted attack.
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.
Before taking the CEO job, Thompson, a father of two who works out of UnitedHealthcare’s Minnetonka, Minnesota offices, worked as the company’s head of government programs.
Elena Reveiz, sister of CEO Brian Thompson, told The New York Times that she is still processing the news of her brother’s death.
“He was a good person and I am so sad,” Reveiz said.
Thompson was also a good father to his two children, she added.
Police to give update on shooting shortly
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:42
Andrea Cavallier
New York’s police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, and Jeffrey Maddrey, chief of department, will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. at 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan.
CEO’s sister: ‘He was a good person and I am so sad’
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:37
Andrea Cavallier
Elena Reveiz, sister of CEO Brian Thompson, told The New York Times that she is still processing the news of her brother’s death.
“He was a good person and I am so sad,” Reveiz said.
Thompson was a good father to his two children, she added.
Tim Walz responds to Midtown shooting
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:35
Andrea Cavallier
Gunman reportedly waited for CEO for 10 minutes before opening fire
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:25
Andrea Cavallier
The suspected gunman reportedly waited for the CEO outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan for 10 minutes before opening fire on him when he arrived, a law enforcement official told CNN.
He wore a mask as he waited outside in the sub-freezing temperatures.
The gunman was reportedly about 20 feet from the CEO when he began shooting. He then fled through an alleyway, hopped on a bicycle and it’s believed he fled to Central Park.
CEO was scheduled to speak at the Hilton
Wednesday 4 December 2024 15:15
Andrea Cavallier
Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting at the Hilton at 8 a.m. when he was reportedly shot outside the hotel around 6:46a.m. in what police believe was a targeted attack.
A caterer for the event told 1010 WINS that she suspected something was amiss when no one showed up for the opening session.
The investor conference was subsequently canceled, with a company official telling attendees they were “dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”
Shooting was a ‘targeted’ attack, police sources say
Wednesday 4 December 2024 14:55
Andrea Cavallier
Brian Thompson, who joined parent company UnitedHealth Group in 2004, and became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021, was reportedly shot in the chest on Wednesday morning.
He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Read more:
CEO shot dead in Midtown Manhattan
Wednesday 4 December 2024 14:48
Andrea Cavallier
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the NYPD confirmed to The Independent.
Now, a manhunt is underway for the shooter. Follow along with The Independent for updates.