NEW YORK CITY, NY. (THECOUNT) — UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot and killed early Wednesday morning in what authorities are calling a targeted attack. The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 6:45 a.m. near W. 54th St. and 6th Avenue, outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in Manhattan, according to police reports. He was 56.
Officers responding to the scene found Thompson suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect fled immediately after the attack and remains at large, police confirmed. Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the shooting.
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A Prominent Leader in Healthcare
Thompson had been the CEO of Minnetonka-based UnitedHealthcare since April 2021. During his tenure, Thompson oversaw one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, serving more than 49 million Americans. UnitedHealthcare is a division of UnitedHealth Group, which is ranked fifth on the Fortune 500 list and employs over 100,000 people worldwide.
Before becoming CEO, Thompson held several leadership roles within UnitedHealthcare, including CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement and UnitedHealthcare Government Programs. He joined the company in 2004 after working as a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Details Remain Unclear
Authorities have not yet made any arrests or disclosed additional details about the motive for the attack. The New York Post, citing police sources, characterized the incident as a targeted shooting, but investigators have not publicly confirmed this assessment.
Thompson’s death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and beyond. UnitedHealthcare has not yet released a formal statement, but colleagues and industry leaders have already expressed their condolences and shock at the loss of a highly regarded figure in healthcare leadership.
A Legacy of Leadership
Under Thompson’s leadership, UnitedHealthcare expanded its influence in the healthcare industry through its insurance programs and Optum segment, which provides pharmacy benefits management, care services, and cutting-edge healthcare technology solutions. His impact on the industry was profound, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a void.
Investigation Continues
The NYPD is actively investigating the shooting and urges anyone with information about the incident or the suspect to come forward. The department has not ruled out any possibilities as they work to piece together the events leading up to the fatal attack.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left mourning the untimely death of a respected leader whose contributions to the healthcare sector were both significant and far-reaching.
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