Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically killed in a targeted shooting outside the New York Hilton hotel on December 4, 2024. The gunman, who had been waiting for Thompson, approached him from behind and opened fire, striking him multiple times. Despite receiving medical attention, Thompson was pronounced d.e.a.d. The assailant fled on foot and later on a rental bike,
and no arrests had been made at the time.Thompson, 50, had recently received threats, though the motive for the attack remains unclear. His wife, Paulette, revealed that Brian had mentioned these threats before the incident. Paulette shared her deep grief, describing Brian as a loving father and leader who will be greatly missed. Thompson had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004, becoming CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He was known for his transformative leadership in expanding healthcare access. The company expressed its sadness, working closely with authorities to investigate the incident.