Chicago December 5, 2024
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed outside a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning in what police are calling a “targeted attack.” The incident occurred outside the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue, where Thompson was about to host an investors’ conference.
According to the NYPD, a masked gunman waited for Thompson outside the hotel and shot him multiple times with a firearm that appeared to have a silencer.
Surveillance footage shows the shooter calmly firing at Thompson at around 6:46 a.m. as Thompson tried to escape. The gunman, who was skilled with the weapon, continued to shoot after clearing a jam, law enforcement officials said. Thompson, who was alone at the time, was shot repeatedly in front of stunned witnesses.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on an electric bike and disappeared into Central Park, where there are fewer security cameras. However, police found a cell phone in an alley near the scene, which they believe belongs to the shooter. Investigators are looking through the phone for clues.
The motive for the attack is still unclear, though police have not ruled out personal or professional reasons. They also noted that Thompson had received threats before the incident. The investigation is ongoing as authorities search for the killer.
