Brian Thompson, CEO of the major insurance company UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning before he was scheduled to attend an investor conference, according to police.
The masked gunman, who remains at large, appeared to be lying in wait and shot Thompson multiple times from behind, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.
The shooting, which was reported around 6:40 a.m., appeared to be a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” Tisch stressed. But the motive is still unknown, the police say.
ABC News obtained this photo of the suspect.
Obtained by ABC News
Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a statement that she is “devastated” by the “senseless killing.”
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she said. “Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
UnitedHealth Group via AP
Thompson, 50, was in New York City for the UnitedHealthcare investor conference, which was scheduled to start at 8, and his schedule was widely known, police sources said.
The conference was held at the Hilton outside where he was shot, but he did not stay there, sources said. The hotel is located at the intersection of West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Police investigators at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in an apparent targeted attack as he was on his way to attend UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference in New York, Dec. 4, 2024.
Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock
The shooter arrived on the scene about five minutes before Thompson arrived, NYPD Detective Chief Joseph Kenny said at the news conference.
“People were passing the suspect, but he appeared to be waiting for his intended target,” Tisch said.
Members of the New York Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit investigate the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024 in New York.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
After Thompson left his hotel across the street and went to the Hilton for the investor conference, the shooter stepped onto the sidewalk behind a car and shot the CEO in the back, Kenny said.
“The shooter then walks towards the victim and continues to shoot. The gun appears to malfunction as he cleans up and starts shooting again,” he said.
A New York police officer stands outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on Dec. 4, 2024, in New York.
Stefan Jeremiah/AP
The suspect fled on foot into an alley, where a phone was found, Kenny said. He then fled on an e-bike and was last seen entering Central Park at 6:48 a.m., police said.
The bikes are equipped with GPS and the police follow up, Kenny said.
Thompson arrived in New York on Monday. Police are interviewing Thompson’s co-workers and family about potential specific threats, Kenny said.
Thompson left his hotel alone and did not appear to have any security detail, police said.
A member of the New York Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit at the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York, December 4, 2024.
Justin Lane/EPA via Shutterstock
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world, said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson.”
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “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 everyone who was close to him.”
Police cover evidence with paper cups as UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was shot as he entered the New York Hilton on December 4, 2024 in New York City.
Kyle Mazza/shutterstock
Thompson lived in Minnesota, where the company is based.
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for Minnesota business and health care,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz tweeted. “Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
Police are urging the public to call Crime Stoppers with any information.
This is a development story. Please check back for updates.
ABC News’ Mark Crudele contributed to this report.
