NEW YORK – UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a capturing Wednesday morning exterior a lodge in Midtown Manhattan, the NYPD says.
Police mentioned the 50-year-old was shot as soon as within the again and as soon as within the leg in what seems to be a focused assault. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, however didn’t survive his accidents.
“I wish to be clear, at the moment, each indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, focused assault,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch mentioned at a information convention later Wednesday morning.
A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare advised CBS News the capturing passed off throughout the firm’s traders convention. It was scheduled to be livestreamed from a lodge ballroom beginning at 8 a.m. however has now been canceled.
“It seems the suspect was mendacity in anticipate a number of minutes and, because the sufferer was strolling to the convention lodge, the suspect approached from behind,” Tisch mentioned. “Many individuals handed the suspect, however he appeared to attend for his meant goal.”
NYPD
A manhunt is now underway for the gunman, who police mentioned fled the scene on an e-bike sporting a black face masks, brown or cream jacket, black and white sneakers and grey backpack. The suspect was final seen in Central Park on Heart Drive early within the morning.
“What we all know is that the shooter arrived on the location on foot, about 5 minutes previous to the sufferer’s arrival. He stands alongside the constructing line, as quite a few different folks and pedestrians go him by,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny mentioned on the information convention.
CBS News New York’s Marcia Kramer confirmed a silencer was used within the capturing.
“The shooter steps onto the sidewalk from behind a automotive, he ignores quite a few different pedestrians, approaches the sufferer from behind and shoots him within the again,” Kenny continued. “The shooter then walks towards the sufferer and continues to shoot. It seems that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam, and begins to fireplace once more.”
Thompson was not robbed, and police do not need a motive. UnitedHealthcare safety and investigators are combing by recordsdata for any doable earlier threats, disgruntled or not too long ago fired staff, a legislation enforcement supply advised CBS News.
In the meantime, police are gathering surveillance video from surrounding buildings and interviewing anybody who might have seen what occurred. They are going to attempt to monitor the suspect’s actions utilizing subway cameras and GPS in taxis and rideshare autos.
“We won’t relaxation till we establish and apprehend the shooter on this case,” mentioned Tisch.
Lethal capturing in busy Midtown Manhattan
CBS News New York
The capturing occurred shortly after 6:45 a.m. exterior the Hilton Midtown lodge on Sixth Avenue close to West 54th Avenue. Greater than a dozen officers responded and blocked off West 54th Avenue between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute.
“We’re deeply saddened by this morning’s occasions within the space and our ideas are with all affected by the tragedy,” a spokesperson for the lodge mentioned in an announcement.
The lodge is situated in a busy space, simply blocks away from Rockefeller Heart, the place the annual tree lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday night.
“Hundreds of thousands of individuals will likely be having fun with the tree lighting tonight, amongst different vacation occasions, and the NYPD will likely be on the market with them maintaining them protected,” Tisch mentioned.
One witness mentioned he was sitting inside his automotive when he heard a gunshot and noticed a person working away with a gun in his hand.
“I used to be my cellphone and I hear the shot,” he mentioned. “I used to be shocked, it is the primary time I’ve ever seen a criminal offense proper in entrance of me. Now I concern he may shoot me too.”
Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and was named CEO in 2021, in line with its web site. He was a father of two and an energetic member of his group.
The corporate is predicated in Minnesota, the place the governor and other leaders are reacting to news of his demise.
“That is horrifying information and a horrible loss for the enterprise and well being care group in Minnesota,” Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media. “Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s household and the UnitedHealthcare crew.”
A $10,000 reward has been provided for info resulting in an arrest and conviction within the case. The NYPD asks the general public to name the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You may also submit a tip via their website. All calls are saved confidential.
Persist with CBS News New York for the most recent updates on this creating story.
Pat Milton and
contributed to this report.
Discover more from News Journals
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
