Manhunt Continues After the Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO

The New York Police Department is conducting an intensified manhunt to locate the shooter who killed Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, on Wednesday morning in the heart of Manhattan, near the Hilton Hotel on 6th Avenue. The investigation is accompanied by a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

Crime Caught on Camera

The attack, which occurred at 6:45 a.m., was captured by surveillance cameras in the area, known for its heightened security. According to CNN, the shooter, dressed in a hooded coat and carrying a light gray backpack, waited outside the hotel where Thompson was set to attend an investors’ meeting. He approached from behind and fired at least three shots with what appeared to be a silenced pistol, which malfunctioned after the initial shots. Thompson, 50 years old, was hit in the calf and back. He managed to take a few steps before turning around and collapsing on the sidewalk. The shooter then fled on a bike, with his trail lost at Central Park.

A Premeditated Attack?

The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that this was not a random act of violence but a premeditated, targeted attack. Joe Kenny, chief investigator, mentioned that the motive remains unknown, though initial findings suggest that the victim was specifically targeted. Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette, reported that her husband had mentioned being threatened by unidentified individuals.

Disturbing Details

Shell casings found at the scene reportedly had words inscribed on them, such as “deny,” “defend,” and “deposit,” although this information has not been confirmed by authorities, according to ABC News.

A Controversial Figure

Brian Thompson, who had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, led the largest private health insurance company in the U.S., serving 51 million members and generating $371 billion in revenue in 2023. However, the company is currently under multiple federal investigations for denying coverage for medical care. In the United States, hospitals must obtain approval from a patient’s insurance company before performing any non-emergency procedure, and UnitedHealthcare has been criticized for frequently denying claims, sparking outrage among its members.

The parent company confirmed that concerning threats had been made against some of its senior executives, though it did not specify that they were directed at Thompson. The company is also facing legal scrutiny following a cyberattack in February that exposed personal information, including health data, of over 100 million Americans.