*NEW YORK, NY* — In a shocking incident, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, just moments before he was set to attend the company’s annual investor conference. The attack, described by law enforcement as a targeted shooting, left the executive critically injured and ultimately led to his death.

Thompson, 50, was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel, where the conference was taking place, when a masked gunman opened fire from approximately 20 feet away. Witnesses reported that the assailant waited for about ten minutes before Thompson’s arrival, attacking him as he approached the venue.

Emergency responders rushed Thompson to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. The shooter fled the scene, reportedly escaping on a bicycle after cutting through an alleyway. Investigators believe the suspect may have sought refuge in Central Park.

In a statement, the general manager of the New York Hilton expressed deep sadness over the incident and offered condolences to those affected. Notably, Thompson was not a registered guest at the hotel.

While details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, the NYPD has indicated that it appears to be a deliberate attack. No arrests have been made, and police are continuing their investigation, with a briefing expected later in the day.

Thompson became the CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, leading one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, which is part of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fifth in the Fortune 500.

In light of the tragedy, UnitedHealth Group abruptly canceled its scheduled conference, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.” Further comments from the company have not yet been provided.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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