New York police are actively searching for the suspect who fatally shot Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, in a targeted attack outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning. The assailant, who was last seen fleeing into Central Park, shot Thompson from behind as he was heading to the Hilton hotel for the company’s annual investor conference.
Authorities described the killing as a premeditated act. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed during a press briefing that the attack was “not a random act of violence.” Security footage revealed that the suspect, masked and wearing a gray backpack, had waited for Thompson to walk past before shooting him in the back. The gunman fired while Thompson, 50, was walking toward the hotel and ignored other pedestrians in the area. He then fled the scene on foot, later mounting an electric bike and riding into Central Park.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt and balaclava. Authorities have released several photos from security cameras, including one of the suspect pointing a handgun at Thompson, and another showing him riding the electric bike. One image also captured a partial view of his face, including his eyes, brow, and the bridge of his nose, taken at a nearby café just before the attack.
The words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were found carved into shell casings at the crime scene, prompting speculation about the motive. These words closely resemble the title of a 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend, which critiques the insurance industry. However, police have yet to verify the significance of this detail.
Thompson, who had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was a key figure at the nation’s largest health insurer, which provides coverage to millions of Americans. His death has shocked the company, which has been dealing with the fallout from a significant data breach at its Change Healthcare unit, affecting medical providers and patients nationwide.
In a statement, UnitedHealth expressed its condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.” Thompson’s wife, Paulette, spoke to NBC News, revealing that her husband had received threats related to his role but did not elaborate on the specifics.
Despite her comments, police in Thompson’s hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and in Minnetonka, where UnitedHealth is based, have no record of any previous threats.
The killing occurred on the same morning as New York City’s annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, just a few blocks away, but the event proceeded under heavy security. The search for the suspect continues as investigators work to uncover the motive behind the brazen attack.