Tragedy Strikes Manhattan as Health Insurance CEO is Shot
Manhattan, New York – In a shocking turn of events, Brian Thompson, the CEO of a major health care insurance company, was gunned down in an apparent targeted attack on Wednesday. The incident has left the business community and Thompson’s family in mourning, as authorities launch a manhunt for the killer.
Threats Leading Up to the Incident
According to his widow, Paulette Thompson, her husband had been receiving threats related to medical coverage issues. “There had been some threats,” she mentioned during an interview, adding, “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
The shooting occurred while Thompson was en route to an insurance conference at a hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Reports indicate that he was shot in the back by an assailant who used a silencer attached to a pistol. Following the attack, the suspect fled into Central Park, and law enforcement is currently on a desperate search for the individual responsible.
Community’s Response
Thompson’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family members and colleagues. A family spokesperson expressed their devastation, stating, “We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian.” She described him as “an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives.”
The company Thompson worked for, UnitedHealth Group, released a statement expressing their sorrow over the loss. They characterized him as a highly respected colleague, saying, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by his death.” UnitedHealth is currently cooperating with the New York Police Department amidst the ongoing investigation.
Background on Brian Thompson
Thompson, who lived in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was just appointed CEO of UnitedHealth in April 2021. Throughout his career, he earned a significant income, reporting earnings of approximately $10.2 million in the previous year. Over the years, he had held various leadership positions at UnitedHealth, including heading the company’s government programs division.
Previously, he worked at PwC as a manager and had graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a degree in business administration. He was a notable figure in the insurance industry, heading the largest private insurer in the US.
Legal Challenges Amidst Tragedy
Just before his death, Thompson was facing serious allegations linked to insider trading. A class-action lawsuit, initiated by a pension fund in May 2024, accused him of selling $15 million worth of UnitedHealth shares while knowing the company was under investigation by the US Department of Justice. Investigators were looking into potential violations of antitrust laws by the company, which has been acquiring healthcare companies at an unprecedented rate.
As the investigation continues, reports have surfaced that the Department of Justice is also concerned about a proposed acquisition by UnitedHealth of Amedisys, a home healthcare service provider. The DOJ argues that this merger would reduce competition and ultimately hurt services for patients in need.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Safety
Authorities are utilizing facial recognition technology as they work to identify the shooter who has remained elusive since the incident. The safety of the community remains a priority as they seek to bring the responsible party to justice.
The impact of this tragic event ripples not just through the family and workplace of Brian Thompson, but throughout the very fabric of the health insurance industry, rising questions about the pressures faced by executives amidst intense scrutiny and the competitive landscape of healthcare.
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
