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The Key Takeaways
- According to police, Brian Thompson, an executive with UnitedHealth Group, was fatally wounded while in New York City attending an investor conference.
- Thompson has been CEO of the group's insurance division, UnitedHealthcare, since 2021, according to a company bio.
- UnitedHealth Group’s shares ticked up on Wednesday.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian R. Thompson was fatally shot early Wednesday near a midtown Manhattan hotel where the insurance firm’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group (UNH), was holding an investor conference, the NYPD said.
The police haven’t established a reason for the attack, but NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters at a news conference that they believe Thompson to be the target.
"At this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," Tisch said. In the case, police have announced a $10k reward.
UnitedHealth Group's investor day activities were set to begin at 8 a.m., according to a press release. Company leaders concluded the event later Wednesday morning, acknowledging that a colleague was "dealing with a very serious medical situation," according to a transcript of the event made available by AlphaSense.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague," UnitedHealth Group said. "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."
Shares of the insurance giant, a Dow component, were recently up about 1.2% Wednesday afternoon.
The shooter arrived at the hotel about five minutes before Thompson — who was staying at a hotel across the street — approached Thompson from behind, and shot him in the back and right calf, police said. Thompson was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital at 7:12 a.m. Wednesday.
Police are examining a cell phone the suspect may have dropped in an alley while heading north before biking into Central Park, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Police are working with authorities in Minnesota, where Thompson lived, to interview his colleagues and family and identify any potential threats made against Thompson, according to Kenny.
Thompson, who was 50 years old, started at UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and held various leadership posts before being named as CEO of its insurance division in April of 2021, according to the company.
Updated to include new information received from NYPD.
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