In a shocking and deliberate act of violence, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically shot and killed outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning. This brazen attack has left the New York City Police Department scrambling to find the perpetrator.
Thompson, aged 50, was struck once in the back and once in the leg. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai West hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The NYPD is now on high alert, with investigators meticulously reviewing surveillance footage and examining Thompson’s phone and social media for any potential threats.
CEO shooting was a “targeted attack,” police say
“I want to be clear, at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated during a news conference on Wednesday.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added that while the motive remains unknown, evidence suggests Thompson was specifically targeted. However, the reason behind this remains unclear.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare informed CBS News that the incident occurred during the company’s investors conference. The event was set to be livestreamed from a hotel ballroom at 8 a.m., but was canceled following the tragic event.
Mayor Eric Adams commented that “This does not appear to be a random act of violence.”
BREAKING – FULL security footage of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot and killed.
What do you notice? pic.twitter.com/DIDBTBdVL1
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Governor Kathy Hochul described the shooting as “horrific,” instructing New York State Police to aid in the investigation.
Hochul expressed her condolences by stating, “Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Thompson and we are committed to ensuring the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
Surveillance videos captured shooting and gunman’s escape
Footage obtained by CBS News New York shows Thompson walking down the street when the suspect appears behind him, takes aim, and shoots him once in the back. As Thompson falls, the gunman clears a jam from his weapon and fires again before fleeing across the street.
“It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and, as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, approached from behind,” Tisch said. “Many people passed by him, but he appeared to wait for his intended target.”
The shooter was last seen wearing a black face mask, brown or cream jacket, black and white sneakers, and carrying a gray backpack. He escaped through an alley between West 54th and West 55th streets before riding a bike up to Central Park where he was spotted at 6:48 a.m. on Center Drive.
CBS News acquired additional footage showing what sources claim depicts him cycling out of Central Park on West 85th Street just before 7 a.m., approximately 15 minutes after firing shots.
“What we’re looking at is a gunman who was thoughtful and prepared,” said CBS News law enforcement contributor Rich Esposito, former NYPD deputy commissioner.