NEW YORK – UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a shooting outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, the NYPD said.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare told CBS News that the shooting occurred during the company’s investor conference. Thompson had been with the company since 2004 and was named CEO in 2021, according to the website.
Police sources say the 50-year-old CEO was shot once in the chest in what appears to be a targeted attack. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, but did not survive his injuries.
Investigators are now looking for the shooter, who sources said left wearing a black face mask.
A law enforcement source told CBS News investigators have video of the shooting, and it appears the suspect had been waiting for Thompson beforehand. He was not robbed and police have no motive at this time.
Fatal shooting in busy Midtown Manhattan
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in a shooting outside a hotel in Midtown, Manhattan, the NYPD says. / Credit: CBS News New York
The shooting happened shortly before 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen officers responded and blocked West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues to morning traffic.
“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragedy,” a hotel spokesperson said in a statement.
The hotel is located in a busy area, just steps away from Rockefeller Center, where the annual Rockefeller Center event is held A tree lighting ceremony will take place Wednesday evening.
One witness said he was in his car when he heard a shot.
“I was looking at my phone and heard the shot,” he said. “I was shocked. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a crime before my eyes. Now I’m afraid he might shoot me too.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All conversations are treated confidentially.
Stay with CBS News New York for the latest updates on this developing story.
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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside a New York City hotel
