Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealthcare CEO, has been fatally shot outside a hotel in a possible 'targeted attack', according to multiple reports.
Thompson, 50, was killed after being shot in the chest shortly before 7am EST on Wednesday (4 December) outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, Reuters reports.
The CEO was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in a critical condition following the shooting, but was pronounced dead after arriving at the healthcare centre.
UnitedHealthcare, the largest private insurer in the US, was said to be holding an investor conference on Wednesday, but that was quickly canceled following the shooting.
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Andrew Witty, CEO of United Healthcare's parent company UnitedHealth Group, said at the event: "We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event."
The suspect believed to have shot Thompson remains at large, with witnesses stating he ran from the scene before jumping on a bicycle and making an escape.
"I wasn't paying attention and then I heard the shot," Amar Abdelmula, a driver who saw the horrible incident unfold, told PIX11. "It was silent gun, black gun, saw him after he shot him and was running across the street. I tried to take a picture, but too far away, not clear.
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"I was shocked. First time I see crime in front of me. I was afraid he (would) shoot me too, my car, I saw everything."
Investigators have confirmed they have video evidence of the incident - though it remains unclear what the suspect's motive was at this time.
As per the BBC, a spokesperson for Hilton said the hotel chain was "deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy."
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Thompson started at UnitedHealthcare in 2004, holding a variety of different roles during his time at the company .
The company describes itself as "a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone through two distinct and complementary businesses."
He took up the role of group CEO in 2021, which earned him over $10 million a year.
Tim Walz, the state's governor, said: "This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota. Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
Callum Jones