CEO of US health insurer UnitedHealthcare has been fatally shot in Manhattan in what police believe was a targeted attack, reports Reuters.
Brian Thompson, who became CEO of the firm in April 2021, had worked at the firm in various roles since 2004 and was 50 years old.
He was gunned down outside the Hilton Sixth Avenue in Manhattan at 6.45am on December 4th by an unknown assailant who, at the time of writing, was still at large.
Thompson was on his way to attend the company’s annual investor conference, due to take place at the Hilton today.
According to police who attended the scene, the attacker was lying in wait to specifically target Thompson, in a “brazen” attack.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference. “Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack.”
Founded in 1977, UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurance provider in the US. The motive behind the attack on Thompson remains unclear. However, his wife, Paulette, revealed that he had been receiving threats, though she could not provide specific details about their nature.
The firm has faced some controversy in recent years. Thompson and two other UnitedHealthcare executives were sued in May by a Florida pension fund for firefighters. The complainants accused the three executives of selling US$120m in shares after becoming privy to insider information about a US Justice Department antitrust investigation into the insurer before it was announced publicly.
UnitedHealthcare has also been dealing with the aftermath of a huge data breach at its Change Healthcare unit a month ago, which provides tech services for many US health providers. The breach caused major disruption to individuals’ medical care and payments to doctors.
In a statement on the company website, UnitedHealth said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. 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. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
The suspect fled the scene and was last seen entering Central Park on an e-bike. A manhunt is still underway.
UPDATE: Police arrested 26-year-old suspect Luigi Mangione on 10th December at a MacDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania. He was in possession of a firearm and wearing similar clothing of that worn by the killer. Police also found a handwritten document suggesting Mangione had feelings of “ill will towards corporate America.” The document did not mention any specific targets, according to police.
