US healthcare executive fatally shot in New York: Reports

DEVELOPING STORYDEVELOPING STORY,

Brian Thompson was the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a major US insurance company.

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, has been shot and killed in New York City, according to media reports.

Thompson was walking towards the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a suit and tie, to attend a UnitedHealthcare conference being held in the ballroom, CNN reported, citing a law enforcement official.

A gunman opened fire, striking Thompson in the chest around 6:40am (11:40 GMT), Reuters reported. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the New York Police Department.

Investigators told CNN that the gunman was waiting in the area for some time before Thompson’s arrival, and the New York Times reported that police view the attack as targeted.

The preliminary police investigation indicated the shooting was not random, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

“It appears as though this was a targeted murder,” he told The Associated Press.

UnitedHealth Group is cancelling the remainder of the programme at its event.

“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said.

UnitedHealth did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The police are expected to hold a news conference shortly.

Brian Thompson became CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. [Photo courtesy of UnitedHealth Group]

Thompson was named chief executive officer for Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, and provides care to 148 million people in the US and South America, according to the company’s website. Thompson had been with the company since 2004.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the news on X calling it “a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.”

This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota.

Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team. https://t.co/6lAL2lJXzn

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 4, 2024

This is a developing story. More details to come.

Source

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Al Jazeera and news agencies