Gerrard Kaonga
The wife of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead yesterday, has spoken out about her loss and the 'threats' he received in the lead up to the shooting.
Thompson, 50, was shot in the chest yesterday morning (4 December) in an incident police have said they believe was a targeted attack.
He was shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York, and was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in a critical condition. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
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Authorities believe the suspect of the shooting remains at large, with witnesses stating he ran from the scene before jumping on a bicycle and making an escape.
Thompson’s wife spoke to media yesterday and stated that he had previously received threats before he was shot and killed.
Speaking to NBC News, Paulette Thompson said: “There had been some threats. 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.”
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She also confirmed that police had told her that at this time, they believe it was a targeted attack.
On Wednesday, the NYPD took to Twitter to ask the public for more information about an individual they believe is connected to the incident.
Sharing an image of a man appearing to shoot a gun, and riding on a bicycle they said: “These are images of the individual sought in connection to this investigation. If anyone has information as to the identity or location of this individual, please @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS.
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They also shared additional images of the person in question at a counter inside a building.
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.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealthcare'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."
Investigators have confirmed that they have video evidence of the incident, however, at this time they are not yet sure what the suspect’s motive was. They also have witnesses who were in the vicinity at the time of the shooting.
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One of the witnesses told PIX11 what they saw when the shooting took place.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver in the area, said: "I wasn't paying attention and then I heard the shot. 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.
"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."