UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in Targeted NYC Attack

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in a targeted attack early Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan. The assailant fled the scene, leaving behind critical evidence, including a burner phone and a water bottle with a smudged fingerprint, which police are analyzing to identify the shooter.  

Video surveillance showed the suspect buying water and energy bars 30 minutes before the shooting near the Hilton Midtown hotel, where Thompson was scheduled to attend an investor conference. The masked gunman ambushed Thompson, firing multiple shots before fleeing on an electric bike toward Central Park.  

Police recovered a shell casing with "depose" written on it and a live round labeled "delay," phrases linked to the insurance industry’s "delay, deny, defend" mantra. Investigators are probing these as potential clues to the shooter’s motive.  

The suspect, described as a light-skinned male wearing a cream jacket, black mask, and gray backpack, had traveled to New York by bus on November 24 and stayed at an Upper West Side hostel. Surveillance images show him unmasked at the hostel’s front desk.  

Thompson, 50, a Minnesota resident, was appointed UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021. His widow described the family as "shattered" by the loss and confirmed previous threats against her husband. UnitedHealthcare expressed shock and sadness, stating they are cooperating with the NYPD’s ongoing investigation.  

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The company is also facing a lawsuit alleging fraud and insider trading involving Thompson and other executives, but no link to the shooting has been confirmed.  

Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.