MINNEAPOLIS— Minnesota leaders respond to the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a New York City hotel Wednesday morning.
According to authorities, Thompson, 50, was shot shortly before 6 a.m. CT outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street in Manhattan. Police say he was shot in the chest and rushed to hospital, but died from his injuries.
The gunman, who police said was wearing a cream-colored jacket and a black hat, fled the scene and has not been located. Officials tell CBS News there is video of the shooting and it appears the suspect was waiting for Thompson beforehand.
An update from New York City officials is expected at 10:30 a.m. CBS News Minnesota plans to stream that live.
Minnesota leaders are responding
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the fatal shooting “horrific news and a terrible loss for businesses and health care” in the state where the company is based.
“Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team,” Walz added.
U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips, who represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District, called the shooting a homicide.
“I am shocked by the murder of my constituent, Brian Thompson, this morning in New York, and I have his family in my prayers,” Phillips wrote on X.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith also responded to X, calling it a “horrific tragedy.”
Echoing Smith, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called the shooting a “heinous and shocking act of violence.”
“My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Brian Thompson and everyone who works at United Healthcare in Minnesota,” Klobuchar continued.
Thompson’s background
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group Inc. in 2004. and held numerous leadership positions. In April 2021, he was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which is part of the overall company.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the company over its bid for home health care giant Amedisys. Bloomberg News reported that the lawsuit was filed days after a meeting between the Justice Department and the heads of both health care companies failed to allay concerns about potential antitrust issues, despite the companies’ joint offer to sell more than 100 clinics to a Texas-based established competitor. .
The company is located in Minnetonka at 9700 Health Care Ln.
This is a development story. Check back with WCCO for more information.
