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-Lurid Crime Tales-
UnitedHealthcare CEO shot, killed outside Manhattan hotel, law enforcement official says
2024-12-04
[WXII 12] Targeted killing
The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning, a law enforcement official tells CNN.

Brian Thompson was walking toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, dressed in a suit and tie, to attend UnitedHealthcare’s annual investor conference being held in the ballroom.

A gunman, who investigators tell CNN was masked in the sub-freezing temperatures, waited for about 10 minutes before Thompson’s arrival, before opening fire from 20 feet away shooting multiple times, striking Thompson.

The gunman fled, cutting through an alleyway and hopping on to a bicycle, the official told CNN. Investigators are continuing to canvas the area. Police currently believe that the suspect fled into Central Park.

The 50-year-old executive was shot in the chest. Responding emergency workers took him to Mount Sinai West in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.

“We are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department,” a New York Hilton Midtown spokesperson told CNN.

Details on the circumstances are not immediately clear, but investigators say it appears to be a targeted shooting. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, the NYPD said. Police are expected to provide a briefing on the incident later this morning.

CNN has reached out to UnitedHealthcare for comment.

Thompson was named chief executive officer for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. UnitedHealthcare is part of UnitedHealth Group, ranked fifth in the Fortune 500, according to the company.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, abruptly ended its scheduled conference Wednesday morning, citing “a very serious medical situation with one of our team members.” The company did not comment further.

NY Post: UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot outside Hilton hotel in Midtown in possible targeted attack: sources
Surveillance photos of the miscreant at the link
The suspect was described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and black and white sneakers. Officials said he was carrying a gray backpack.

Witnesses told The Post the suspect had been spotted near the vicinity of the hotel, on 6th Avenue, milling around.

Sources said the shooter wasn’t a guest at the hotel but it is unclear if he had other business there.
Posted by:Frank G

#25  Post, not bost. PIMF!!!
Posted by: trailing wife   2024-12-04 21:53  

#24  Interesting: Following the bicycle

For some reason I can’t bost the tweet itself.
Posted by: trailing wife   2024-12-04 21:46  

#23  Claims online it was a WW2 British assassins gun called a Welrod.
Posted by: Ululating Platypus   2024-12-04 21:11  

#22  Autocucumber got me again. IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS…
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain   2024-12-04 18:32  

#21   Someone overreacting to a health insurance claim or proposed treatment being denied

Well, I’m the past five years over two million Americans were killed by mandated substandard medical practice and withholding of treatment. I think it’s kind of obvious they want to send a message to everyone in the enabling bureaucracy to keep their mouth shut.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain   2024-12-04 18:31  

#20  Three rounds in and the victim was still struggling. My guess is a .22 with subsonic or 'noiseless' primer rounds.
Posted by: Skidmark   2024-12-04 18:19  

#19  Perhaps an old single shot and a nervous shooter ?
Posted by: Besoeker   2024-12-04 16:41  

#18  Maybe, a real sophisticated professional hit?
Posted by: Grom the Reflective   2024-12-04 16:12  

#17  /\ Yes to the above cmnts. Ejected live rounds might indicate no range session prior to the live fire exercise.

My "professional hit" comment withdrawn.
Posted by: Besoeker   2024-12-04 16:02  

#16  #13
reduced backpressure caused cyclic failure, meaning he shooter didn't have experience shooting that specific weapon silenced, not the mark of a professional hitter.
Posted by: NoMoreBS   2024-12-04 15:21  

#15  If the FBI is on the case then we will potentially have another Seth Rich style daylight murder with no resolution.
Posted by: Airandee   2024-12-04 15:07  

#14  #12 BS
Posted by: Beavis   2024-12-04 14:57  

#13  1 media report said there were 3 spent casings and 3 live rounds found at the scene. It appears the gun malfunctioned and shooter had to tap rack bang a few times. Prolly due to suppressor and wrong ammo. Lowers likelihood of a pro hit IMHO. Committed - yes. Professional - ugh...
Posted by: Bangkok Billy   2024-12-04 14:42  

#12  32% claim denial rate by UHC FWIW …
Posted by: Griter+Slash1619   2024-12-04 14:40  

#11  Escaping by bike was a nice touch for NYC
Posted by: Gloluns Turkeyneck4904   2024-12-04 14:08  

#10  'I thought my prescriptions were covered; now you must die!'
Posted by: Raj   2024-12-04 12:48  

#9  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was facing a DoJ investigation and lawsuit when he was shot dead
Posted by: Skidmark   2024-12-04 12:44  

#8  Someone overreacting to a health insurance claim or proposed treatment being denied?

That would be my first guess. But then, some of the investors might be unhappy about the way the company is being run and chose this option instead of a proxy battle. It does sound like a cold, calculated hit and not just random New York street crime.
Posted by: Abu Uluque   2024-12-04 12:41  

#7  "Reminder: The Medicare Open Enrollment period ends December 7th. This is what can happen to you without a Medicare Advantage Plan"
Posted by: Frank G   2024-12-04 12:20  

#6  Guess he won't need to renew his health insurance.
Posted by: Skidmark   2024-12-04 12:16  

#5  While the foto is not entirely clear, the pistol used appears to have a silencer.
Posted by: Besoeker   2024-12-04 11:44  

#4  I agree with B. They had the meeting timetable to know when Mr Thompson would be leaving, fairly good accuracy, and a low traceable exit plan.
Posted by: Mullah Richard   2024-12-04 11:40  

#3  Someone overreacting to a health insurance claim or proposed treatment being denied?
Posted by: trailing wife   2024-12-04 11:29  

#2  Professional hit.
Posted by: Besoeker   2024-12-04 11:25  

#1  Strange target for an assassination. Maybe a jealous husband? Somehow I have a feeling this is going an a Netflix crime show.
Posted by: DarthVader   2024-12-04 11:22  

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