Manhunt underway after top US executive shot dead in targeted attack

A masked gunman shot dead a top US health insurance executive outside a New York hotel in an apparently targeted hit, before fleeing on a bicycle and triggering a citywide manhunt.

The police said it appears the victim was specifically targeted, based on the evidence they have so far. Source: AFP / Bryan R. Smith

Key Points

• Masked suspect is at large after fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
• Several people passed gunman before shooting, police said.
• UnitedHealthcare is the largest US health insurer.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of the largest US health insurer UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in what appeared to be a targeted attack by a gunman lying in wait, according to officials.

The shooting occurred on Wednesday morning local time outside the Hilton in New York, where the company's annual investor conference was about to take place.

Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said the gunman remains at large.

Brian Thompson was fatally shot as he prepared to address investors, with the gunman firing several times before using a rented bike to flee, police said. Source: AFP / UnitedHealth Group

"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," New York City police commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference.

"Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack."

The suspect, wearing a mask and carrying a grey backpack, fled on foot before mounting an electric bike and riding into Central Park, police said.

UnitedHealth Group said Thompson was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.

"We are working closely with the New York Police Department (NYPD) and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time," it said in a statement.

"Our hearts go out to Brian's family and all who were close to him."

This handout image released by the New York Police Department shows the person sought in connection to the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Source: AFP / NYPD

Video showed the gunman arrived outside the Hilton about five minutes before Thompson. He ignored several other people walking by, NYPD chief of detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters.

When Thompson approached the hotel, the gunman shot him in the back with a pistol and then continued firing, even after his gun appeared to jam.

"Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but at this point, we do not know why," Kenny said.

'Horrifying news'

Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, where the insurance company is based, said in a statement that the state was sending prayers to Thompson's family and the UnitedHealthcare team.

"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota," he said.

Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in April 2021 after working at the company since 2004 in several departments, according to its website.

"Sometimes you meet a lot of fake people in these corporate environments. He certainly didn't ever give me the impression of being one of them," said Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of healthcare research non-profit 46brooklyn, who knew Thompson.

"He was a genuinely thoughtful and respectable guy."