Brian Thompson led one of many largest well being insurers within the U.S. however was unknown to hundreds of thousands of individuals his choices affected. Then, a masked suspect fatally shot the UnitedHealthcare CEO on December 4.
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NYPD Releases Masked Suspect Pictures & Capturing Particulars
The incident occurred on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk in New York Metropolis, per the Associated Press. NYPD continues to be investigating the capturing and now believes Brian Thompson was “focused.” A masked suspect has not been recognized, however cops have launched a photograph of the assailant pointing the gun and fleeing the scene.
On the time of the capturing, round 6:45 a.m., the CEO was coming into the Hilton Midtown Lodge for UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor convention, per the New York Times. Thompson was alone when the masked suspect shot him within the again. Surveillance video reportedly reveals the 50-year-old stumbling after the primary shot and turning round to face the masked suspect. Footage allegedly reveals the gun briefly jamming earlier than the suspect clears it and resumes capturing. The suspect used a silencer to masks the sound.
In keeping with the New York Police Division, the UnitedHealthcare CEO didn’t have a safety element. Proper earlier than the assailant escaped, Brian Thompson collapsed to the sidewalk. The suspect fled on foot earlier than pedaling an e-Citi Bike into Central Park just a few blocks away. Thompson sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and leg.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny confirmed the investigators are nonetheless investigating the case. Within the hours after the deadly capturing, cops have been sweeping the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s social media accounts and interviewing workers and relations. Nevertheless, Chief Kenny mentioned that, to date, Brian Thompson doesn’t “appear to be he had any points in any respect.”
In the meantime, NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch shared that the attacker had waited for Brian to reach, ignoring others strolling previous. A supply revealed to the NYT that the suspect had visited a close-by Starbucks earlier than the capturing. Extra proof reviewed by The Instances signifies the attacker had arrived within the space no less than 10 minutes earlier than killing Thompson.
Photographs from Starbucks reportedly present a white man in a darkish, hooded coat with a darkish masks overlaying half of his face. The NYPD is offering a $10,000 reward for info resulting in the masked suspect’s arrest.
What To Know About UnitedHealthcare’s CEO
In keeping with the NYT, UnitedHealthcare issued an announcement saying it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the dying of its CEO. “Our hearts exit to Brian’s household and all who had been near him,” the assertion mentioned.
Brian Thompson lived in a Minneapolis suburb and was the daddy of two highschool college students. The 50-year-old had labored at UnitedHealth Group Inc. for 20 years. He has been operating its insurance coverage department since 2021 after main its Medicare and retirement enterprise. Thompson was one of many firm’s highest-paid executives. His $10.2 million annual pay included his wage, bonus, and inventory choices awards.
AP stories that UnitedHealthcare supplies well being protection to greater than 49 million Individuals. It’s the largest supplier of Medicare Benefit plans, sells particular person insurance coverage, and administers medical insurance protection for 1000’s of employers and state- and federally funded Medicaid applications. Final yr, below Brian Thompson’s management, the corporate introduced in $281 billion in income.
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AP reporters Adam Geller, Tom Murphy, Michael R. Sisak, and Steve Karnowski contributed to this report.
What Do You Suppose Roomies?
