The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a major health insurance company in the US, was shot dead early Wednesday outside a hotel in New York in what appears to be a targeted assassination.
Authorities have released images of the shooter, who was seen in a hooded sweatshirt firing a weapon before escaping on a bicycle toward Central Park, with detectives offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
UnitedHealthcare is a major player in the US private healthcare sector, offering workplace health insurance and managing large healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid for the elderly and low-income individuals, funded by state budgets.
Brian Thompson, 50, was reportedly shot shortly before 7:00 am at the hotel located in Manhattan’s Midtown area, with reports suggesting that a silencer may have been used.
Police confirmed that a shooting occurred, with officers flooding the area around the hotel, which is typically busy with commuters at that hour. Footage captured on video showed officers administering CPR to Thompson before he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” said UnitedHealth Group.
“Brian was a highly esteemed friend and colleague to everyone who collaborated with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.”
UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UHC, reported revenues of $100.8 billion for the third quarter of this year. According to an investor presentation, UnitedHealthcare’s Employer and Individual products serve nearly 30 million people across the United States.
A regulatory filing revealed that Thompson’s total compensation for 2023 amounted to $10.2 million.
He had been serving as the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, as indicated by a separate Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
