What we know about the fatal shooting of the CEO of UnitedHealthcare

The manhunt is now underway as the New York Police Department (NYPD) searches for the gunman who targeted and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in the early hours of Wednesday, December 4th.

Thompson, 50, was in town on the eve of his company’s annual investor conference, which police said he was walking alone, when he was shot outside New York’s Hilton Midtown hotel around 6:45 a.m.

New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference on Wednesday that the “brazen, targeted attack” was “deliberate” and the gunman appeared to “wait several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire.

Although the attack appears to be targeted, police have not identified a suspect or a motive for the shooting.

Here’s what we know about Thompson’s murder.

The police reported the details of the shooting

According to a police news conference, the gunman was wearing a mask and arrived on foot at the crime scene about five minutes before the shooting, and also stopped at a nearby Starbucks, according to surveillance photos obtained by authorities.

Many people walked past the gunman, wearing a dark hooded coat and a gray backpack, as he waited for Thompson to arrive.

The suspect then shot Thompson multiple times in the back and leg as at least one witness stood by. After a few shots, the gun jammed. According to police, the gunman appeared to clear the traffic and continued shooting as he headed toward Thompson.

After authorities found Thompson at the scene, he was rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 7:12 a.m.

A search is underway

Throughout Wednesday and into Thursday, the NYPD searched for the attacker, using a vast array of cameras, both public and private, that police can review to find people.

Tisch told reporters that the attacker first fled on foot into an alley a few blocks from the crime scene. There, the NYPD found a discarded cell phone, which they are working on identifying.

He later continued on foot, then on an electric Citi Bike, and was last seen cycling into Central Park on Center Drive. The NYPD says the e-bikes have GPS tracking devices and are working with Citi Bike to track the bike.

On Thursday morning, the NYPD released an image of a “person of interest wanted for questioning” and again appealed to the public for any information.

in post published on X (formerly Twitter), the NYPD said: “Below are photos of a person of interest wanted for questioning in connection with a homicide in midtown Manhattan on December 4th. This does not appear to be a random act of violence; all signs point to this being a pre-planned, targeted attack.”

They continued, “The NYPD is continuing to investigate, and we’re asking for the public’s help — if you have any information about this case, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.”

Thompson’s family and workplace react to his murder

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, provided the statement through her sister CBS News on Wednesday

“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and he will be greatly missed,” she said. “We appreciate your best wishes and request for complete privacy while our family goes through this difficult time.”

Paulet said on Thursday morning NBC News that her husband had previously received threats.

“Yes, there were some threats… I don’t know the details. I just know he said there were people threatening him.”

During a NYPD press conference, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney told reporters that Thompson did not appear to have any protection.

“In talking to other employees who traveled with him to New York, it doesn’t appear that he had a security detail,” he said. “He left the hotel by himself, walking around, he didn’t seem to have any problems at all.”

Meanwhile, UnitedHealth Group responded to the shooting in a statement released Wednesday, sharing that they are working closely with the NYPD as the investigation continues.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the company said. “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”