Who is Brian Thompson? Everything we know about the UnitedHealthcare CEO murdered in Manhattan

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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot early Wednesday in Manhattan in what police called a “brazen targeted attack.”

A major manhunt is underway for the unknown shooter, who fled the crime scene on his bicycle. Police are searching for a motive and have not made an arrest as of Wednesday afternoon.

Here’s everything we know so far about the fatal attack on the 50-year-old insurance boss:

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Thompson shot in “premeditated attack”

The unknown gunman had been hiding behind a car outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan for about five minutes when Thompson got out, police said. The suspect was spotted at a nearby Starbucks on West 56th Street and 6th Avenue minutes before the shooting.

The gunman, who was wearing a mask, approached Thompson from behind at 6:46 a.m. and shot him in the right calf and back. Video of the incident shows the gunman calmly walking behind Thompson before shooting him multiple times and then calmly crossing the street. The footage also suggests that a bystander witnessed the shooting and ran away when the suspect shot Thompson.

Thompson was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

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“The shooter then walks towards the victim and continues shooting. It appeared the gun was malfunctioning as he cleared the jam and began firing again,” New York Police Department Criminal Investigation Division Chief Joseph Kenny told reporters.

Police described the shooter as a white male wearing a black hoodie, black pants and carrying a gray backpack. It is believed the suspect used a weapon with a silencer. A food truck vendor near the scene told NBC News he didn’t hear any shots.

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The shooter fled the scene on an e-bike through an alley. Police told reporters that e-bikes were equipped with GPS devices. He fled along Sixth Avenue to Central Park, where he was last seen.

The shooting was a “premeditated, pre-planned targeted attack,” police said late Wednesday morning. Thompson appeared unaware that he was in danger and that there were no security personnel near him, Kenny told reporters.

At the scene, authorities found three live 9mm cartridges and three fired 9mm shell casings, as well as a cell phone.

UnitedHealth Group, which owns the insurance company, held its annual investor conference on Wednesday. They have since canceled the event. Thompson was scheduled to speak there at 8 a.m

“Brian was a valued colleague and friend to everyone who worked with him,” the company said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”

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Woman reveals Thompson received threats as police search for motive

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband had received threats before Wednesday’s shooting.

“There had been some threats,” she told the outlet. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of (health insurance) coverage? I don’t know any details. All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him.”

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

Police said Wednesday morning that the shooting was likely a planned attack.

“The motive for this murder is unknown at this time, but based on the evidence we have so far, it appears that the victim was specifically targeted,” he told reporters. “But at this point we don’t know why.”

The NYPD Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information.

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Family and managers mourn the loss of the CEO

Thompson’s family members are grieving as they process the news.

Thompson’s sister Elena Reveiz said The New York Times that her brother was a “good person, and I’m so sad.”

Thompson’s brother Mark had previously told the story The Independent he was not yet ready to comment on the situation.

Former vice presidential candidate and current Minnesota governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences on social media.

“This is terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s economy and health care system,” Walz wrote. “Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she had been informed of the situation and also offered her condolences to Thompson’s family.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Thompson’s family and loved ones and we are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Hochul said.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams also reassured residents that the shooting did not appear to be a random act of violence.

“We want to make it clear to New Yorkers that this does not appear to be a random act of violence,” Adams said Wednesday.

Thompson is a father of two children. Before taking on the CEO position in 2021, he served as the company’s head of government programs.

According to the Associated Press, Thompson kept a low profile and had little public profile.

As CEO, Thompson worked at UnitedHealthcare’s offices in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Under his leadership, UnitedHealthcare insured more than 49 million people, making it the largest insurance company in the United States. The network includes 1.3 million doctors and nurses in almost 7,000 facilities.

Under Thompson, the company generated $74 billion in revenue in its most recent quarter, earning it the title of UnitedHealth Group’s largest subsidiary. Thompson earned $10.2 million per year and was one of the company’s highest-paid employees.

After the shooting, social media was littered with complaints about health insurance. One commenter responded: “The guy was someone’s father, son, brother, husband. Relax with the…tweets.”