UnitedHealthcare CEO killed in apparent assassination

CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan Wednesday by a gunman who is currently at large in an apparent targeted attack – according to a law enforcement official cited by CNN.

Thompson was on his way to attend the company’s annual investor conference. A masked gunman waited for about 10 before his arrival, and fired multiple shots from around six meters away.

The gunman then fled through an alleyway and used a bicycle to make his escape. Investigators told CNN they are currently searching the area and believe he fled into Central Park.

Thompson was shot in the chest, and was pronounced dead when responders took him to Mount Sinai West hospital.

Thompson was named CEO for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fifth in the Fortune 500.

The parent company abruptly ended its scheduled conference, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” according to CNN.