The CEO of UnitedHealthcare has been fatally shot in New York City in what appeared to be a targeted attack, according to reports.
The New York Post was the first to report Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Hilton hotel in Manhattan’s Midtown at around 6:46 a.m. on Wednesday.
Bloomberg also named Thompson as the victim of a shooting.
A New York Police Department spokesperson confirmed details of the incident to HuffPost, but did not name the victim.
“When officers arrived, they observed a 50-year-old male unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the leg and chest,” the spokesperson said. Thompson was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made and officers are still searching for the gunman.
The New York Times, citing police sources, reported the shooting happened during the company’s annual investor conference in the city.
According to CNBC, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty abruptly halted the meeting just after 8 a.m.
“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” Witty reportedly said. “As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event.”
The Times reported the gunman apparently knew which door Thompson would enter and shot him several times from close distance. The CNBC added that the suspect, who is described as a white male dressed in black clothing, used a silencer.
The Hilton hotel is in the heart of Manhattan, close to tourist hotspots such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center.
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UnitedHealthcare is one of the nation’s largest health insurers, and part of the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.
The company’s website states Thompson has served as CEO for more than three years, having joined the company in 2004.
CORRECTION: This story was amended to correct the day of the shooting.