A shooter remains at large after killing UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson in New York City's Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning (Thursday AEDT).
Thompson was gunned down in the street on the way to UnitedHealth Group’s investor day set for Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET at the Hilton, the NYPD said.
The company cancelled that event after the shooting, CNBC reported, in what police are describing as a “brazen, targeted attack”.
According to NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, the perpetrator approached Thompson from behind and shot him at least once in the back and once in the right calf.
“I want to be clear: At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack.” Tisch said.
Witnesses report hearing multiple gunshots before the suspect fled the scene on foot and then bike.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him” UnitedHealth Group said in a statement.
The motive for the shooting is still unclear, but Thompson’s wife Paulette told NBC News “there had been some threats” against her husband.
“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call to NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,” she said.