UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Fatally Shot in Targeted Attack
Key Points
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
The NYPD has labeled the incident a “brazen, targeted attack.”
Thompson, 50, led UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S., contributing to more than two-thirds of UnitedHealth Group’s annual revenue.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred at 6:46 a.m. ET outside the Hilton Hotel on Avenue of the Americas. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, a gunman lying in wait shot Thompson multiple times in the back and leg. Witnesses reported the use of a silencer, and security footage showed the assailant approaching Thompson from behind before opening fire. Thompson was transported to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was premeditated, stating, “Every indication is that this was a preplanned, targeted attack.” The shooter fled the scene on foot, and the investigation is ongoing.
Thompson’s Role and Legacy
Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the U.S.’s largest private health insurer, overseeing $281 billion in revenue in 2023. He was on his way to UnitedHealth Group’s investor day event, which was subsequently canceled.
UnitedHealth Group issued a statement expressing shock and sadness, calling Thompson “a highly respected colleague and friend.”
Controversy Surrounding Thompson
Thompson had faced insider trading allegations tied to UnitedHealth Group’s 2021 acquisition of Change Healthcare. In May, he and other executives were accused of selling $120 million in company shares ahead of a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation. The lawsuit alleged Thompson sold $15.1 million worth of shares in February 2024, weeks before the investigation became public.
Impact on UnitedHealth Group
Despite the tragedy, shares of UnitedHealth Group rose over 1% on Wednesday. The company, with a market cap of $563 billion, remains the largest health-care conglomerate in the U.S.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette, and their two children. The investigation into his death continues.
Key Points
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance division, was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning.
The NYPD has labeled the incident a “brazen, targeted attack.”
Thompson, 50, led UnitedHealthcare, the largest private health insurer in the U.S., contributing to more than two-thirds of UnitedHealth Group’s annual revenue.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred at 6:46 a.m. ET outside the Hilton Hotel on Avenue of the Americas. According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, a gunman lying in wait shot Thompson multiple times in the back and leg. Witnesses reported the use of a silencer, and security footage showed the assailant approaching Thompson from behind before opening fire. Thompson was transported to Roosevelt Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the attack was premeditated, stating, “Every indication is that this was a preplanned, targeted attack.” The shooter fled the scene on foot, and the investigation is ongoing.
Thompson’s Role and Legacy
Thompson had been CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the U.S.’s largest private health insurer, overseeing $281 billion in revenue in 2023. He was on his way to UnitedHealth Group’s investor day event, which was subsequently canceled.
UnitedHealth Group issued a statement expressing shock and sadness, calling Thompson “a highly respected colleague and friend.”
Controversy Surrounding Thompson
Thompson had faced insider trading allegations tied to UnitedHealth Group’s 2021 acquisition of Change Healthcare. In May, he and other executives were accused of selling $120 million in company shares ahead of a U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation. The lawsuit alleged Thompson sold $15.1 million worth of shares in February 2024, weeks before the investigation became public.
Impact on UnitedHealth Group
Despite the tragedy, shares of UnitedHealth Group rose over 1% on Wednesday. The company, with a market cap of $563 billion, remains the largest health-care conglomerate in the U.S.
Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette, and their two children. The investigation into his death continues.
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