Video Reveals Masked Gunman Threatening UnitedHealthcare Executive Brian Thompson Just Before NYC Fatal Shooting | US News
Footage has surfaced capturing the moments leading up to the assassination of a prominent healthcare executive on a street in New York City, which authorities suspect was a deliberate attack.
In the video, Brian Thompson is seen walking in Manhattan when the assailant emerges from behind a vehicle, brandishing a firearm—reportedly equipped with a silencer—from a distance of about 15 feet.
Following the clip’s cutoff, the shooter is seen sprinting across the street and fleeing the scene. Officials noted that he escaped on an electric bicycle into Central Park.
Mr. Thompson was the CEO of a major U.S. health insurer. Pic: UnitedHealth Group/AP
The perpetrator fired multiple shots at Mr. Thompson and persisted even when the gun malfunctioned momentarily, as stated by the police.
Mr. Thompson, aged 50, sustained at least one gunshot wound to his back and another to his calf during the incident, which occurred on Sixth Avenue around 6:45 AM local time on Wednesday.
He was transported to a hospital but unfortunately could not be saved.
Police released CCTV images of the suspect.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the assailant appeared to have been “lying in wait for several minutes” prior to targeting Mr. Thompson.
“This does not seem to be a random act of violence. All indications suggest it was a deliberate, premeditated, and targeted attack,” she noted.
CCTV footage reportedly shows a white male dressed in all-black attire and carrying a grey backpack.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny remarked: “From reviewing the video, it appears he is skilled in handling firearms, as he quickly addressed the malfunction.”
Pic: NYPD/Reuters
Efforts to locate the shooter now involve drones, helicopters, and K-9 units.
The shooting site is located a short distance from well-known attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Rockefeller Center.
Mr. Thompson, a resident of Minnesota, served as the CEO of UnitedHealthcare and was killed en route to its investor conference at a nearby Hilton hotel.
Pic: Reuters
Bullets marked out on the pavement on Sixth Avenue. Pic: AP
The reason behind the murder remains uncertain; however, Thompson’s wife informed NBC News that he had been receiving threats which might have been linked to insurance disputes.
UnitedHealthcare stands as the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the United States and oversees insurance for a range of employers as well as state and federally-funded programs.
The company’s conference began at 8 AM as scheduled. Nonetheless, the chief executive of UnitedHealth Group, Andrew Witty, addressed the audience after an hour to announce the cancellation of events.
Subsequently, the organization removed images of the leadership team from its website.
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Mr. Thompson had been employed by the company since 2004 and had overseen the insurance division since 2021.
“We are collaborating closely with the New York Police Department and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through this challenging time,” a statement from the company read.
“Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”
