Top health care chief Brian Thompson murdered by gunman wearing face mask outside New York hotel | US News

Police in New York are searching for a gunman who shot and killed a health care executive outside a hotel in what is being described as a “brazen targeted attack.”

Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was killed in front of the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

The gunman, who was wearing a face mask, lay in wait for about five minutes before approaching the 50-year-old victim from behind.

He opened fire several times, shooting him in the back and leg. He then walked towards Mr Thompson and continued shooting.

Police said the weapon jammed in the attack, which occurred around 6:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday. But the gunman broke the jam and started shooting again.

The attacker used a firearm with a silencer, CNBC reported.

He then fled on foot before getting on a GPS-controlled e-bike and was last seen in Central Park.

Mr. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.

Police are still searching for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 (£7,866) reward for information. Officials also said they do not yet have a motive for the shooting.

Photos from CCTV footage show a man with a gray backpack on a bicycle and another photo of the person appearing to point a gun.

The suspect was described as a light-skinned man wearing a tan or cream-colored jacket, a black face mask and black and white sneakers.

Police said another person was standing next to Mr Thompson when he was attacked outside the hotel and were in the process of identifying them.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a “brazen, targeted attack.”

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence. Everything indicates that this was a premeditated, pre-planned and targeted attack,” she said.

Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said he had received threats.

“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call with Sky’s US partner channel NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of reporting? I don’t know any details. All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him.”

“I can’t really give a thoughtful answer at the moment. “I just found out and I’m trying to comfort my kids,” she added.

The attack occurred as the company was scheduled to hold its annual meeting with investors at the Hilton on Wednesday morning. Mr. Thompson had arrived in New York on Monday to attend the meeting and was staying at a hotel across the street.

It is understood Mr Thompson was responsible for organizing the conference and was due to give a speech at the meeting.

“We are dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members and therefore I am concerned that we will have to end the event today,” said Sir Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth.

UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group.

A statement said: “Brian was a valued colleague and friend to everyone who worked with him. We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”

“Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”

There have been no arrests and the investigation is active and ongoing.

The shooting scene is a short walk from attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center. The popular Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting takes place on Wednesday evening.