The scene outside the Hilton Hotel in New York City after a shooting took place killing UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson on Dec. 4th, 2024.
Ester Bloom | CNBC
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group‘s insurance unit, was fatally shot in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning, a person familiar with the matter told CNBC.
UnitedHealth Group canceled its investor day after reports emerged of the shooting. Thompson led UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S.
Police are investigating the shooting as a targeted attack and believe a silencer may have been used, according to a person familiar with the matter. They described the suspect as white male with a ski mask and a backpack.
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare
Courtesy: UnitedHealth Group
A spokesperson for the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner of Public Information confirmed that a 50-year-old male was shot in midtown Manhattan at 6:46 a.m. ET on Wednesday. But the spokesperson did not confirm the identity of the man.
The spokesperson said the man was transported to the Mount Sinai West hospital in critical condition and was pronounced deceased. No arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing, they added.
UnitedHealth Group was hosting its investor day at the New York Hilton hotel in midtown. UnitedHealth Group did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The company did not confirm the shooting during its investor day.
“I’m afraid that we – some of you may know we’re dealing with very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” UnitedHealth Group staff said during the investor day, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I’m sure you’ll understand.”
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