The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed Wednesday in what is being described as a targeted attack.
The incident happened just before 7 a.m. near a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators learned the gunman arrived at the area about five minutes before the victim. According to New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the perpetrator was "lying in wait" until Thompson arrived.
Thompson, who resides in Minnesota, was walking toward the Hilton for a meeting with investors when the gunman came up from behind and began firing shots, according to Kenny.
Video footage shows the shooter used a suppressed pistol.
Thompson was shot at least twice: Once in the back and once in the calf. Police say the gunman fired multiple times, stopping at least once to clear a jam in their weapon.
After Thompson was on the ground, clearly wounded, the shooter fled the scene, hopped onto an e-bike and rode into Central Park, Kenny said. He has still not been captured. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.
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 contact @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/sm2GuEOYk1
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) December 4, 2024
Thompson, meanwhile, was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. The Associated Press reports that investors gathered for the conference were told it would be ending early in light of Wednesday's events.
The shooting happened at a busy time in New York. On Wednesday night, thousands of people will gather for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Officials said NYPD will be out in full force to make sure people feel safe.
