New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the incident as a “brazen, targeted attack,” while Governor Kathy Hochul called it a “horrific and targeted shooting.”
Thompson, 50, was scheduled to speak at an investor meeting when he was shot around 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown. Authorities say the shooter fled on foot before taking an e-bike into Central Park. Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. As of late morning, no arrests had been made, and police continued to search for the shooter. While the attack appeared to be deliberate, officials have not yet identified a motive.
Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that investigators were reviewing evidence, including surveillance footage from the area. “It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual, and we will apprehend that individual,” Adams stated.
The shooting occurred in a busy part of Manhattan, near landmarks such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center. It led to the early conclusion of UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference. The Hilton Hotel, where the event was being held, was cordoned off with police tape, and officers were seen at the scene.
Thompson had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare for over three years and had been with the company since 2004. UnitedHealthcare, the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S., also manages health insurance coverage for employers and government programs like Medicaid.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his condolences on Twitter, offering prayers to Thompson’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team. "This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," he wrote.
