Watch Live: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed in shooting outside Midtown Manhattan hotel
New York – UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a shooting outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning, the New York Police Department said.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare told CBS News that the shooting occurred during the company’s investor meeting. The live broadcast was originally scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. in the hotel ballroom, but has been cancelled.
Police sources said the 50-year-old CEO was shot in the chest in what appeared to be a targeted attack. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West but succumbed to his injuries.
NYPD officials are expected to provide more details at a news conference around 11:30 a.m. Watch live CBS News New York in the video player above.
new york police department
one The hunt for the gunman is ongoingSources said he took off wearing a black mask. CBS New York’s Marcia Cramer also confirmed a silencer was used in the shooting.
A law enforcement source told CBS News that investigators found video of the shooting and that the suspect appeared to have been waiting for Thompson beforehand. He was not robbed and police have no motive at this time.
UnitedHealthcare security and investigators are sifting through files looking for any possible prior threats, disgruntled or recently fired employees, according to law enforcement sources.
Meanwhile, police are collecting surveillance footage from surrounding buildings and interviewing anyone who may have seen what happened. They will try to track the suspect’s movements using subway cameras and GPS in ride-share vehicles.
Deadly shooting in busy midtown Manhattan
CBS News New York
The shooting happened shortly around 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton City Center hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen police officers responded, blocking off West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute.
The hotel is located in a bustling area just blocks from Rockefeller Center, the annual The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will be held on Wednesday evening.
“We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred in the area this morning and our hearts have been affected by this tragedy,” a hotel spokesperson said in a statement.
A witness said he was sitting in a car when he heard a gunshot and saw a man running away with a gun in his hand.
“I was looking at my phone and I heard gunshots,” he said. “I’m shocked, it’s the first time I’ve seen a crime committed right in front of me. Now I’m worried he’ll shoot me too.”
UnitedHealthcare is headquartered in Minnesota, where the governor and Other leaders react to the news Thompson’s death.
“This is shocking news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s business and health care communities,” said Gov. Tim Walz. Post on social media. “The state of Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the United Healthcare team.”
Thompson has been with the company since 2004 and was named CEO in 2021, according to the company’s website. He is a father of two and an active member of the community.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The NYPD asks the public to call Crime Stoppers: 1-800-577-Tip(8477)or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.
Stay with CBS News New York for the latest updates on this developing story.
Pat Milton and
contributed to this report.
