Manhunt Underway for Assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO
A shocking assassination has rocked New York City, as Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 5, 2024. The incident occurred around 6:45 a.m. local time, just before Thompson was set to attend an investor conference. Witnesses reported seeing a masked gunman waiting outside the hotel, who then shot Thompson at close range before fleeing the scene on an electric bicycle.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains unidentified. Surveillance footage captured the shooter, described as a white male wearing a dark hooded jacket and gray backpack, effectively operating a silenced weapon. Experts noted that the shooter's skill suggested he may have prior law enforcement or military training. The police have released images of the shooter and are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Thompson, 50, had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and became CEO in April 2021. His leadership was pivotal in managing key government programs, including Medicare and Retirement. The motive behind the attack is still unclear, although the parent company indicated an increase in threats against executives, albeit not specifically against Thompson. The NYPD is analyzing social media activity and mapping the shooter's escape route as part of their investigation.
