UnitedHealthcare CEO fatally shot in targeted Manhattan attack. Who was Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance unit, was fatally shot Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan in what police called a "brazen targeted attack." The shooting occurred just before a scheduled company investor conference at the hotel.

Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:40 a.m. on Sixth Avenue. New York City police say the suspect, who remains at large, appeared to have been lying in wait before firing multiple shots. Thompson was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Surveillance footage shows the suspect, wearing a gray backpack and riding a bicycle, fleeing the scene. He was last seen entering Central Park.

The investor conference was canceled shortly after news of the shooting emerged. Andrew Witty, UnitedHealth Group’s CEO, informed attendees of the situation, stating, “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, where the company is headquartered, called the news “horrifying” and extended prayers to Thompson’s family and colleagues.

The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing. Police have recovered evidence, including a cell phone, fingerprints and surveillance footage, to aid in their search for the suspect.

Police are asking for the public's help in the investigation, asking those with any information to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. A reward of $10,000 is being offered in exchange for information.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare's CEO in April 2021 after being with the company since 2004.

Prior roles with UnitedHealthcare included serving as CEO of the company's government programs business and the Medicare & Retirement organization and CFO for UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual, Community & State and Medicare & Retirement.

“He was a genuinely respectable guy,” said Antonio Ciaccia, CEO of healthcare nonprofit 46brooklyn.

Before joining UnitedHealth Group, Thompson was a practicing CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in the Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area after graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelors degree in Business Administration and Accounting.

"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

What is UnitedHealth Group?

UnitedHealth Group is among the nation's largest healthcare companies and provides health insurance, pharmacy benefits and healthcare services.

Its health insurance unit, UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 29 million U.S. individuals, according to the company's website. In 2024, United Healthcare ranked number 8 on the Fortune Global 500, and its parent company, UnitedHealth Group employs 439,000 people, generating $379.5 billion in revenue in 2024, according to Forbes.

Is Central Park closed to the public after Brian Thompson shooting?

Central Park remains open to the public but officials are encouraging New Yorkers to be alert while continuing to go about their daily lives.

There will be a heavy police presence throughout Manhattan, including at Wednesday night's Rockefeller Center tree lighting, and drones, K9s and aviation are currently being used in the investigation.

Safety concerns arise ahead of Rockefeller Center tree lighting

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting is taking place Wednesday night beginning at 8 p.m. in Rockefeller Center, raising concerns of safety after this morning's shooting.

"I want to be clear, at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned targeted attack," Tisch said during Wednesday's press conference. "Millions of people will be enjoying the tree lighting tonight, among other holiday events, and the NYPD will be out there with them, keeping them safe."

Contributing: Reuters, USA Today Network