Still no clear motive in UnitedHealth CEO killing

UnitedHealth chief executive Brian Thompson, who was shot dead in a Manhattan street yesterday, received death threats that may have related to "a lack of coverage", according to his widow.

Paulette Thompson told NBC that her husband – who was in charge of the largest health insurer in the US – had told her of some threats without providing specific details. For now, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is keeping an open mind about the case.

Thompson was about to enter the New York Hilton Hotel where UnitedHealth was about to hold its annual investor conference before he was shot in the back and leg by an unknown masked assailant using a semi-automatic and possibly silenced pistol who had reportedly been lying in wait in the area waiting for him to arrive.

The head of the health insurance group was shot in a "brazen" attack that, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, was "premeditated, preplanned [and] targeted" by a man who appeared to be experienced in the use of a firearm.

"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," said Tisch.

Eyewitness reports suggest the gun jammed multiple times – something that is known to occur with some silenced firearms – but he was able to clear the jams and continue firing at his target as he approached.

The killer – who has been captured on CCTV – remains at large, although a mobile phone and water bottle that he may have used have been found in an alley near where the incident took place and may provide DNA or other leads to his identity.

Police are also sifting through images from CCTV – which show partial features – in the hope of finding a facial match in their databases. The gunman fled on foot and subsequently on an e-bike and was last spotted in Central Park. The NYPD is offering up to $10,000 for information on the shooting.

In a statement, UnitedHealth said it was "deeply saddened and shocked" by Thompson's death.

"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," it continued. "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."

Thompson (50) had worked for UnitedHealth for 20 years, climbing the ranks before rising to the role of CEO in April 2021. The father-of-two lived in Minneapolis, near UnitedHealth's corporate headquarters.

UnitedHealth has been associated with some controversy in the last few months, including an insider trading lawsuit, an antitrust investigation, and legal challenge into recent M&A transactions, including a $3.3 billion bid to buy Amedisys, and a cyberattack at its Change Healthcare unit that disrupted medical care and reimbursement claims.