By Davan 
The death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the healthcare industry, his family, and his community in shock. The 50-year-old executive was tragically killed in what authorities have described as a planned attack.
The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan on December 4, as Brian was on his way to speak at UnitedHealth Group’s investor conference.
The gunman, who, according to reports, appeared to have been lying in wait for several minutes, approached Brian from behind and opened fire. According to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, he was struck multiple times, including in the back and the right calf, before collapsing to the ground.
Police officers at the scene of Brian Thompson’s fatal shooting at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel on December 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West. The assailant fled the scene, first on foot and later on a rental bike, and was last seen heading into Central Park.
At the time of writing, no arrests had been made, though Crime Stoppers had offered a $10,000 reward for information. Security footage of the incident revealed the chilling precision of the attack.
Brian, dressed in a blue suit, was seen walking down the street when the gunman approached him from behind and began firing. Tisch noted that the suspect appeared to deliberately wait for Brian, ignoring other passersby.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, but police have confirmed that he had recently received threats. Brian, who resided in Maple Grove, Minnesota, leaves behind his wife, Paulette, and their two sons.
A seasoned physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, Brian’s wife, who celebrated her 50th birthday in December 2023, has been described as a devoted mother and professional.
Originally from Webster City, Iowa, she earned her master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Iowa, the same institution her late husband attended.
Speaking to NBC News, she said, “There had been some threats. Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
Law enforcement officials are now investigating the source and nature of these threats, but no further information has been disclosed.
In a public statement following her husband’s death, Paulette expressed the deep loss her family has suffered, “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. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed,” she continued.
Brian’s death reverberated far beyond his immediate family. As CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he was a pivotal figure in the healthcare industry. He joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and held multiple leadership roles over the years, including chief financial officer for several business segments.
NYC Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressing the media about the suspected attack on UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, he was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, where he was instrumental in expanding the company’s global, employer, and government healthcare programs. Known for his vision and commitment to improving healthcare access, Brian was praised by colleagues for his transformative leadership.
Police marking bullet casings outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot on December 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty once described him as “especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments, and our other partners.”
Police gathered outside the hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot. | Source: Getty Images
UnitedHealth Group released a statement following his death, saying, “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,” they added.
Police placing bullet casing markers outside of a the New York Hilton Midtown hotel | Source: Getty Images
A Hilton employee, who asked to remain anonymous, shared, “For this to happen in this area, it’s weird. For this guy to do it around here with all these cameras and everything, there’s got to be something behind it.”
Police officers investigating the scene where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan near a hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues on December 4, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, at UnitedHealthcare headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, flags were lowered to half-staff as employees mourned the loss of their leader. Colleagues have remembered Brian Thompson as not only a visionary in his field but also a kind and compassionate person who made a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.
Flags fly at half-mast outside UnitedHealthcare’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, after Brian Thompson’s death on December 4, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
For Paulette and her sons, the days ahead will be filled with grief and unanswered questions. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, focusing on remembering the loving husband and father who meant so much to them.