UnitedHealth executive shot dead outside New York hotel
Brian Thompson was outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel on Wednesday, where UnitedHealthcare was due to hold an investor event.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A senior executive of US healthcare giant UnitedHealth was shot dead on Wednesday in New York.
Brian Thompson, chief executive of the company’s insurance arm UnitedHealthcare, was pronounced dead at hospital after he was shot in central Manhattan, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
Mr Thompson was at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, where UnitedHealthcare was due to hold an investor event on Wednesday morning.
The incident happened at around 6.45am local time and the attacker fled.
Police told the New York Times that they believed Mr Thompson was targeted in the attack.
An announcement was made to attendees that the event was being ended early.
New York Police Department officials said a 50-year-old man had been killed in the area but did not confirm his identity.
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.”
Mr Thompson had taken the chief executive role three years before 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.”
UnitedHealth Group was approached for comment.