A senior executive of US healthcare giant UnitedHealth has been shot dead in New York by a gunman in a “brazen targeted attack”.
Brian Thompson, chief executive of the company’s insurance arm UnitedHealthcare, was pronounced dead at hospital after he was shot in central Manhattan.
The gunman, wearing a face mask, approached Mr Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, from behind before opening fire several times.
He shot him in the back and leg before the weapon jammed during the attack, police said.
The incident happened at around 6.45am local time on Wednesday and the suspect fled “first on foot, then on e-bike” and was last seen in Central Park.
CCTV stills have been released by police showing the moment the gunman opened fire before making his escape.
A huge police manhunt has been launched with law enforcement still searching for the shooter. A $10,000 dollar reward has been issued.
A CCTV image was also released from an unspecified location of the suspected gunman in the bid to track him down.
Mr Thompson had arrived at the hotel where the company was due to hold an investor event on Wednesday morning when he was attacked.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul called it a “horrific and targeted shooting.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence.”
No arrests had been made.
Adams said police were reviewing evidence from the scene, including video.
Police confirmed that they believed Mr Thompson was targeted in the attack.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said: “It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes.” She called the killing a “brazen, targeted attack”.
A New York Hilton Midtown spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department.”
An announcement was made to attendees that the event was being ended early after the horror unfolded.
Mr Thompson had taken the chief executive role three years ago and had worked for the company since 2004.
He also headed up the company’s government programmes and its Medicare and retirement division in previous roles.
UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare health insurance plans in the country.
It also manages health insurance for companies, as well as state-funded and federally funded Medicare.
Mr Thompson lived and worked in Minnesota.
The state’s governor, Tim Walz, said: “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota.
“Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
The Hilton is in a bustling part of Manhattan, a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center, and often dense with tourists and office workers on weekday mornings. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting was still set to take place Wednesday evening.
Part of the block where the shooting took place was cordoned off with police tape, with a large contingent of police officers at the scene.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement.
“We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
