UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, murdered in ‘planned attack’, got threats before death: Wife

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: An ordinary corporate meeting in a midtown Manhattan hotel turned fatal for 50-year-old Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. He was fatally shot on the sidewalk as he approached the hotel around 6:45 a.m.

Brian was shot multiple times on his way to the New York Hilton Midtown early Wednesday morning, in what the police said was a “targeted” killing.

Talking to NBC, Brian’s wife, Paulette Thompson, revealed that he had received threats, suggesting they were related to potential insurance denials.

Here's what Paulette said:

“Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details,” she said in a phone call with NBC. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.” 

“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she remarked, adding that the police had told her that it appeared to be “a planned attack”.

What did the police say?

Addressing a press conference, Joseph Kenny, chief of detectives in the New York Police Department, said they are looking at Brain's social media. “We’re interviewing employees, we’re interviewing family members, we will be speaking to law enforcement in Minnesota”.

Police said it appears that Thompson was targeted. A manhunt involving dogs, drones and an extensive police presence has been deployed to find the suspect, last seen in Central Park.

UnitedHealthcare had received threats against Thompson in the past, a person familiar with the investigation said.

The police have stated that the motive is unknown. They have not determined whether the shooting was connected to Thompson's personal or professional life. Over the past year, UnitedHealth has encountered a series of crises.

How did the shooting take place?

A man in a facemask approached Thompson from behind at around 6:45 a.m. and began shooting him in the back, according to a video released by the New York Police Department.

Even though the gun malfunctioned, the shooter cleared it, continuing to fire 9-millimeter rounds at him.

With Thompson slumped on the ground, the shooter walked past him and then fled on a Citi Bike.

Thompson was taken to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 a.m.

About the shooter

Talking about the shooter, Joseph Kenny said the police can't confirm whether he used a silencer or not, but “it does seem he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly.”

Prior to the killing, the shooter purchased some items in a nearby Starbucks, including a water bottle that he left in the alley as he fled, a person familiar with the investigation said.

The police are hoping to pull DNA from a water bottle as well as the ammunition he ejected from the gun.

About UnitedHealth

The Department of Justice is investigating UnitedHealth for potential antitrust violations.

A cyberattack earlier this year against its Change Healthcare subsidiary knocked out crucial networks, disrupting billions of dollars in payments.

On the passing of Brian, the company issued a statement saying they are “deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague.”

“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time,” it added.

(With Bloomberg inputs)