New York Metropolis police have launched a manhunt for a masked suspect who shot lifeless the top of an American medical health insurance large, in what investigators described as a “brazen and focused assault.”
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot within the again Wednesday morning exterior the Hilton lodge in Midtown Manhattan, the place he was scheduled to talk at an investor convention later within the day.
The 50-year-old father of two, who was additionally shot within the leg, was taken to the hospital, the place he was pronounced lifeless minutes after the assault, authorities stated.
Investigators stated they didn’t know the motive of the attacker, who fled the scene with out taking any of the sufferer's belongings. Police have provided a $10,000 (£7,800) reward.
The assault occurred round 06:45 EST (11:45 GMT) in one of many busiest areas of Manhattan, close to the vacationer hubs of Occasions Sq. and Central Park, in an space the place shootings are extraordinarily uncommon.
Police drones, helicopters, canines and hundreds of CCTV cameras are combing the town road by road in an effort to find the attacker.
New York Metropolis Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated at a information convention: “All the things signifies that this was a focused, premeditated and pre-planned assault.”
The suspect, carrying a black masks and cream-colored jacket, gave the impression to be ready for Thompson for 5 minutes exterior the lodge, police stated.
The shooter was additionally captured on a surveillance digital camera minutes earlier than the taking pictures at a Starbucks lower than two blocks away.
When Thompson arrived alone on foot on the Hilton, the shooter climbed onto the sidewalk behind a automobile and shot him within the again.
The sufferer was staying at one other lodge, the Marriott, down the road, based on police sources.
CCTV footage of the assault exhibits the suspect used a silencer on the gun when he opened fireplace, police say.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated the gun gave the impression to be malfunctioning, however the suspect was in a position to shortly repair the issue and proceed taking pictures.
The attacker fled the scene first on foot earlier than taking an electrical bicycle and heading towards Central Park, the place he was final seen, Commissioner Tisch stated.
The sufferer's spouse, Paulette Thompson, stated in a cellphone name with NBC Information that her husband had been receiving threats.
“There have been some threats,” he stated. “Mainly, I don't know, the shortage of [medical] protection? I don't know particulars.
“I simply know that he stated there have been some individuals who had been threatening him.”
UnitedHealthNew York Governor Kathy Hochul stated police had knowledgeable her of the “horrible and focused” taking pictures.
“Our hearts exit to Mr. Thompson's household and family members and we’re dedicated to making sure the perpetrator is delivered to justice,” he stated in an announcement.
UnitedHealthcare's dad or mum firm, UnitedHealth Group, stated it was “deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our pricey buddy and colleague.”
“Brian was a colleague and buddy extremely revered by all who labored with him,” the group stated in an announcement.
faux photosFelipe Rodríguez, a former New York police detective, instructed the BBC's US companion CBS Information that he was “shocked” by the assault.
“The truth that he [the suspect] was in a position to clear these jams in such an environment friendly method, which exhibits that he’s very proficient with firearms,” he stated.
Thompson, who lived in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, started his profession as a licensed public accountant.
He began at UnitedHealthcare, the biggest non-public insurer within the US, in 2004 and was named CEO in 2021. Final yr he earned $10.2 million.
In Could he was named in a lawsuit filed by a pension fund, alleging fraud and unlawful insider buying and selling.
ReutersIts dad or mum firm, UnitedHealth Group, canceled its investor convention after the taking pictures.
A press release from the Thompson household stated: “We’re devastated to be taught of the mindless homicide of our beloved Brian.
“Brian was an extremely loving, beneficiant and gifted man who really lived life to the fullest and touched many lives.”