Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance arm of UnitedHealth Group, was tragically shot outside the Hilton hotel in Manhattan on Wednesday morning. The incident, described by authorities as a targeted attack, has left both the healthcare industry and business communities in shock. Thompson, 50, was a respected leader who oversaw the largest private health insurer in the U.S.
The Incident: A Targeted Shooting
The shooting occurred at 6:46 a.m. ET outside 1335 Avenue of the Americas, the address of the Hilton Hotel. A New York Police Department (NYPD) spokesperson confirmed that a man matching Thompson’s description was transported to Mount Sinai West Hospital in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.
Details from witnesses suggest the suspect used a firearm equipped with a silencer and fled the scene wearing black clothing and a gray backpack. The NYPD is continuing its investigation, with no arrests made. A news conference is scheduled for updates.
Threats Against Thompson
Paulette Thompson, Brian’s wife, revealed to NBC News that her husband had received threats before his death, allegedly related to professional matters. “He had mentioned threats, possibly due to coverage issues, but he didn’t change his travel habits,” she said. She described the attack as planned, based on information from the NYPD.
She struggled with the tragedy and added, “I can’t give a thoughtful response right now. I’m trying to console my children.”
UnitedHealth Group Reacts
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group expressed profound grief at the loss of their colleague. “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of Brian Thompson,” the company said, praising him as a “highly respected colleague and friend.”
The company canceled its planned investor event on Wednesday, initially describing the situation as a “medical emergency.” CEO Andrew Witty addressed attendees, stating, “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.”
Thompson’s Legacy
Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 after working at PwC for nearly seven years. Rising through the ranks, he became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He led the company to generate $281 billion in revenue in 2023, comprising two-thirds of its total revenue.
A native of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and valedictorian of the University of Iowa, Thompson was described as a visionary leader. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the news “horrifying” and a significant loss for the healthcare industry.
Fallout and Broader Implications
The tragic loss comes as UnitedHealth Group continues to recover from a February ransomware attack that exposed the sensitive health information of over 100 million people. The incident underscores the growing challenges in healthcare leadership and cybersecurity.
Brian Thompson’s untimely death has left a void in the healthcare sector and touched the lives of many who worked with him. His contributions to UnitedHealthcare and the industry will not be forgotten as investigations unfold.
“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him,” UnitedHealth Group stated.