Company says they are 'deeply saddened and shocked' over CEO's passing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed on Wednesday after an unidentified gunman shot him outside a hotel in Manhattan where his company was set to hold their annual investor conference, according to reports.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) said Thompson was shot in the back while he was walking toward the Hilton Midtown hotel more than an hour before the conference's scheduled start time.
"The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears the gun malfunctions as he clears the jam and begins to fire again," said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kennedy as quoted by CNN.
Thompson received gunshot wounds to his back and leg, and was taken to Roosevelt Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:12 AM.
'Premeditated' attack against the CEO
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch indicated that the attack was "premeditated."
"I want to be clear: At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," Tisch said as quoted in another CNN report.
Paulette Thompson, Brian's wife, also told NBC News that her husband had informed her that "there were some people that had been threatening him."
UnitedHealthcare mourned the CEO's passing in a statement.
"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," it said.
"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."
