An govt at a significant US healthcare firm has been shot lifeless in New York in what was reportedly a focused assault.
Brian Thompson, 50, was fatally shot within the chest at 6.46am native time on Wednesday exterior the Hilton lodge in midtown Manhattan. He had been the chief govt of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021.
He was taken to a close-by hospital however couldn’t be saved.
Mayor of New York, Eric Adams, stated it seems the capturing was “a targeted murder”.
Mr Thompson’s spouse, Paulette Thompson, stated that he had been receiving threats.
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.
The suspect was described as utilizing a firearm with a silencer, CNBC reported, citing an individual accustomed to the incident.
They added the suspect was a white man carrying a black hoodie, black trousers, black trainers with a white trim and a gray rucksack.
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance coverage arm of the well being care big UnitedHealth Group.
UnitedHealth didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
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Law enforcement officials stand close to the scene the place the chief govt of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan. Pic: Reuters
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Pic: Reuters
The corporate cancelled the rest of its annual assembly with traders in New York Metropolis the place it was updating Wall Road on its path and expectations for the approaching 12 months.
It’s understood Mr Thompson was on account of communicate on the convention.
“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” UnitedHealth’s chief govt Sir Andrew Witty stated.
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Pic: Reuters
Sir Andrew is the previous boss of GlaxoSmithKline within the UK.
There have been no arrests, and the investigation is lively and ongoing.
Mr Thompson joined the UnitedHealth Group in 2004.
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The scene after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York. Pic: AP
He beforehand served as chief govt of UnitedHealthcare authorities programmes.
UnitedHealthcare is the biggest supplier of Medicare Benefit plans within the US and in addition manages medical health insurance protection for employers, and state- and federally funded Medicaid programmes.
The scene of the capturing is a brief stroll from vacationer websites such because the Museum of Fashionable Artwork and Rockefeller Centre.
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