USA 
United Kingdom
Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, was fatally shot on Wednesday morning in what has been described by the police as a “targeted attack.”
The chief executive was due to speak at an investor conference being held at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York. The attack took place at 6.45am Eastern Time outside the hotel.
UnitedHealth Group, parent company of UnitedHealthcare, said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the fatal incident.
A manhunt for the suspect is currently ongoing.
The shocking attack prompted an emergency meeting yesterday between dozens of Fortune 500 Chief Security Officers, who discussed best-practices for the protection of executive business leaders.
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting: What we know so far
Reports of the fatal shooting say that Thompson, 50, was walking along the street by the Hilton Hotel, when the assailant – who appeared to be waiting for the CEO – shot him in the back and leg.
According to the police, the assailant seemed to be waiting for Thompson for five minutes outside the Hilton Hotel and visited a nearby Starbucks shortly before the shooting.
Thompson, who had been staying at the Marriott Hotel nearby, was taken to hospital by emergency responders. He was pronounced dead minutes after the shooting took place.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the Police have contacted UnitedHealthcare staff to ascertain why he was arriving early at the conference.
Investigators say the motive behind the shooting is unclear. Newly-appointed New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, however, stated in a news conference that "Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack."
Thompson’s wife told NBC News her husband had recently been threatened. "There had been some threats," she stated. "Basically, I don’t know, a lack of [medical] coverage? I don’t know details… I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him."
According to a CNN report citing a source familiar with the investigation, UnitedHealth Group – the parent company of UnitedHealthcare – was aware of threats being made against the business and its high-level executives, though Thompson was not specifically named.
The NYPD has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the suspected shooter, and has dispatched drones, dogs, and helicopters in search of the assailant.
UnitedHealth Group responds to fatal shooting
UnitedHealthcare is the largest private insurance business in the US. Thompson had worked for UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and held the CEO role since 2021.
In a statement released yesterday, UnitedHealth Group said: “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. 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.”
UnitedHealth Group cancelled its investor conference following Thompson’s death.
The business has not publicly shared any further details around what the shooting means for its employees.
When workers experience sudden bereavement, particularly that of a colleague or prominent company league, it is challenging for businesses to know how to deal with the tragedy appropriately.
The company is also yet to comment on the suggestion that it was informed about threats being made about its executives.
A statement from Thompson’s family said: “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.
"Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives."
Companies reevaluating executive safety measures
According to a New York Times report, dozens of Fortune 500 Chief Security Officers from across the world met on a video call yesterday afternoon.
The security leaders discussed additional protective measures for their business’ executives in the local area as well as reviewing executive protection program best practices.
Dave Komendat, former Chief Security Officer at Boeing, said that several Fortune 500 leaders in the meeting had been asked by their employer to review their security programs.
“Many of my colleagues today are sitting down with their executive protection team leaders, their security leadership teams, and re-evaluating what they are doing and not doing,” he stated.
