Manhunt Underway After UnitedHealthcare CEO Shot Outside Midtown Manhattan Hotel
NEW YORK, N.Y. – The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is seeking the public’s help to identify and apprehend a gunman responsible for the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, in what police described as a “premeditated and targeted attack.”
Thompson was in town for the UnitedHealthcare annual investors meeting and had been staying across the street from the Hilton. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained at a press conference that the suspect waited for several minutes before ambushing Thompson as he walked to the conference. The attacker shot Thompson in the back and leg before fleeing on foot and later escaping on an e-bike through Central Park.
“This was a pre-planned attack,” Tisch emphasized. “We want to assure New Yorkers that the NYPD will be out in full force tonight as holiday events, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, proceed.”
Thompson leaves behind his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, and their two children. The family resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Paulette confirmed to NBC News that Thompson had received prior threats but was unaware of specific details.
Authorities are conducting a search of Thompson’s hotel room and reaching out to associates and family in Minnesota to determine if he was under any specific threats. The UnitedHealth Group released a statement expressing shock and sadness over Thompson’s death, calling him a “respected colleague and friend.”
The NYPD has released surveillance photos of the suspect, who is described as a light-skinned male, approximately 6-foot-1, wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and a gray backpack. The department is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Investigation Details
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the attack as highly calculated. “The suspect ignored numerous pedestrians before specifically targeting Thompson. After shooting him multiple times, the suspect’s gun appeared to jam, but he continued firing after clearing the malfunction.”
Law enforcement agencies in Minnesota have been contacted for additional background on Thompson, and forensic teams are examining a cell phone recovered near the crime scene. A spokesperson for Lyft, which owns Citi Bike, has offered to assist in the investigation.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the NYPD is working diligently to solve the case, reiterating that the attack was not random. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed condolences, calling the incident a “horrifying loss” for the healthcare and business communities.
Police continue to search for the gunman, and the investigation remains active.