New York – UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson He was shot and killed Wednesday morning outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan in what appears to be a targeted killing, according to the New York City Police Department.
Police said the 50-year-old CEO was shot once in the back and once in the leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital but did not survive his injuries.
An intense search is underway to find the killer.
Police say Thompson shooting was ‘targeted attack’
“I want to be clear: all indications at this point are that this was a pre-planned, targeted attack.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said At a press conference.
“The motive for this murder is currently unknown, but based on the evidence we have to date, it appears the victim was specifically targeted. However, the reason is unknown at this time,” added NYPD Detective Chief Joseph Kenny. .
A UnitedHealthcare spokesperson told CBS News the shooting occurred during a meeting of the company’s investors. It was scheduled to be broadcast live from the hotel banquet hall starting at 8 a.m., but was canceled after filming.
“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” Mayor Eric Adams said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the shooting was “horrible” and ordered New York State Police to assist the NYPD in its investigation.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Thompson’s family and loved ones and we are doing everything we can to bring the perpetrator to justice,” Hochul said.
Surveillance video capture
Surveillance video obtained by CBS News New York shows Thompson walking down the street when the suspect comes up behind him, takes aim, and shoots him in the back. As the gunman appears to remove the jamb on his gun, Thompson collapses into the street and opens fire again. The gunman took aim, fired a third shot and ran across the street.
“It appears the suspect was lying down waiting for several minutes,” Tisch said. “The victim was walking to the conference hotel when the suspect approached him from behind.” “Many people passed by the suspect, but he appeared to be waiting for his intended target.”
new york police
no way The search for the shooter is currently ongoing.Person wearing a black mask, brown or cream colored jacket, black and white sneakers, and gray backpack. Police said the suspect fled into an alley between West 54th Street and West 55th Street and then took a train to Central Park, where he was last seen on Center Drive at about 6:48 a.m.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
They are also conducting forensic testing on a discarded phone found along the suspect’s path of travel.
Law enforcement experts told CBS News investigators would likely search for discarded clothing along the road.
“One of the first things a very stylish person does is change their clothes, change their hat – maybe not their sneakers – that helps them get away.” CBS News law enforcement contributor Rich Esposito said:.
Shooting timeline, escape map
CBS News New York
The wait, murder, and escape happened in just 9 minutes.
- Police said the gunman arrived on foot at the Hilton Hotel around 6:39 a.m.
- At 6:44 a.m., Thompson walks from his hotel across the street to the Hilton Hotel to address investors.
- Police said around 6:46 a.m., the gunman shot Thompson twice in the back before running toward the Citi Bike dock on 55th Street and then toward Central Park. He was last seen on camera at 6:48 a.m. riding his bike on Park Center Drive.
- Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital at 7:12 a.m.
One witness said he was sitting in his car when he heard gunshots and saw a man running away with a gun in his hand.
“I was looking at my phone when I heard a gunshot,” he said. “I was shocked. It was the first time I had seen a crime happen right in front of my eyes. Now I’m afraid he’s going to shoot me too.”
How the shooting unfolded outside the Hilton Midtown
new york police
The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on 6th Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen police officers responded and blocked West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute.
A spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred in the area this morning and our hearts are all affected by this tragedy.”
Investigators are collecting surveillance video from surrounding buildings and interviewing anyone who may have seen what happened.
“What we do know is that the offender arrived at the location on foot approximately five minutes before the victim arrived. He was standing next to the building line as numerous other people and pedestrians passed him,” Kenney said.
He continued, “The gunman walked out from behind the car onto the sidewalk, ignored other pedestrians, approached the victim from behind and shot him in the back.” “The gunman then walked towards the victim and continued shooting. As he cleared the jam, the gun appears to have malfunctioned and begins firing again.”
Three casings from the bullet fired at the victim and three cartridges that were ejected from the gun when the gunman removed the jam were recovered at the scene.
A law enforcement source told CBS News that one of the suspect’s photos fully shows his face through facial recognition and that the weapon used was equipped with a silencer.
Police are continuing to work to process other evidence, including mobile phones, from the scene.
Who shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson?
UnitedHealthcare security teams and investigators are combing through files for previous threats, disgruntled employees or recently fired employees, law enforcement sources told CBS News.
“We’re looking at everything, we’re looking at his social media, we’re interviewing his employees, he’s interviewing his family, we’re talking to local law enforcement in Minnesota,” Kenney said.
UnitedHealthcare is headquartered in Minnesota and serves the Governor and Other leaders are reacting to the news of filming.
“This is terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and healthcare communities,” Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media. “Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”
Thompson has been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and was appointed CEO in 2021, according to the website. He was a father of two and an active member of his community.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. . “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 everyone close to him.”
family talk
Thompson’s family released the following statement about the killing:
“We are devastated to hear the news of the senseless killing of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous and talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was ours. “He was an incredibly loving father. We wish you well and appreciate your request for complete privacy as our family navigates this difficult time.”
Filming will not affect the lighting of the trees at Rockefeller Center.
CBS News New York
The hotel is located in a busy area, just a few blocks from the annual Rockefeller Center. Tree lighting ceremony takes place on Wednesday night.
NYPD officials said the tree lighting ceremony would proceed as planned but urged people to be cautious.
“Millions of people will enjoy the tree lighting tonight along with other holiday events, and the NYPD will be with them to keep them safe,” Tisch said.
“We will have a large police presence around Rockefeller Center from 52nd Street to 47th Street,” said NYPD Commissioner Jeffrey Maddrey. “We will also have extra police officers on the subway to make it easier for people to use public transport to get downtown and enjoy the trees. This is a terrible event but we will go and people will enjoy the tree lighting tonight. no see.”
Adams and Tisch moved quickly to reassure New Yorkers. The early morning shooting was not part of the recent violence that has plagued Midtown. Recently, a man named Ramon Rivera brandished a weapon and killed three people.or Danish tourist stabbed on Upper West Side.
Kathryn Wylde of the Partnership for New York City said New Yorkers are worried about crime in Midtown, but this incident does not cause them to be concerned.
“It’s really important to say that this is not a random act of violence and that in many ways it should feel like a much bigger threat,” Wylde said.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. The NYPD asks the public to call the Crime Stoppers hotline. 1-800-577-Tip(8477)or 1-888-57-Pista (74782)) for Spanish. You can also submit tips through the website. All calls are kept confidential.
Stay with CBS News New York for the latest updates on this developing story.
Pat Milton contributed to this report.
Natalie Duddridge
