Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in New York City, according to police; The search for the attacker is underway

A manhunt is underway in Manhattan after the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed Wednesday morning, according to the New York Police Department. Brian Thompson, 50, was reportedly shot in the chest just before 7 a.m. near the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue

A New York Police Department news conference is scheduled for 11:30 a.m

Thompson was transported to Mount Sinai West in critical condition but was later pronounced dead, the NYPD told Yahoo News. It was not confirmed that Thompson was staying at the New York Hilton, but he was visiting New York City from Minnesota for an investor conference scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. today

“I’m afraid that we – some of you may know that we are dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” UnitedHealth Group officials said this morning during investor day, according to a transcript obtained by CNBC. “For this reason, I am afraid that we will have to bring the event to an end today, as I am sure you will understand.”

The NYPD is still investigating the situation. WABC reported that the attack “may have been a targeted shooting” and that, according to witness statements, the shooter fled north after the shooting and described her as being 6 feet tall and wearing a black jacket, a black cap and a hat black ski mask and a black ski mask backpack.

Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021 after previously serving as CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s government programs, which include Medicare & Retirement and Community & State, according to his company profile. He joined the company in 2004, which is part of UnitedHealth Group and is ranked No. 8 on Fortune’s 2024 list of the world’s 500 largest companies.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC that he had received “some threats” but did not know the details.

“All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him,” she told the outlet. “I can’t really give a thoughtful answer at the moment. I just found this out and I’m trying to comfort my kids.”

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