Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch reportedly said the 50-year-old executive was walking to UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference when an unknown gunman approached from behind and fired multiple rounds, striking him in the back and calf.
NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addresses the media about the suspected attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.
As reported by NBC, police described it as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Surveillance footage, shared by NBC, showed the gunman waiting several minutes before shooting Thompson, who wore a blue suit.
The attacker followed him as he fell and continued firing.
Police said the gun appeared to jam but was cleared before the shooter resumed firing.
UnitedHealthcare CEO walking on the street, posted on December 4, 2024 | Source: YouTube.com/NBCNews
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said officers recovered three live 9 mm rounds, three discharged shell casings, and a cell phone near the scene.
Investigators believe the gunman used a firearm equipped with a silencer.
Police mark bullet casings outside a Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The suspect fled on foot, switched to a rental bike, and was last seen entering Central Park.
Police described the suspect as wearing a black hoodie and pants and carrying a gray backpack.
Police believe that Thompson was deliberately targeted, though the motive remains unclear.
Adding to the uncertainty, Thompson’s wife, Paulette, recalled that her husband had received threats.
Police gather outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
“Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said.
The family continues to mourn his loss, describing him as an “incredibly loving, generous, and talented man,” and has requested privacy during this difficult time.
