Police state that the murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of prominent insurance firm UnitedHealthcare, ‘does not appear to be a random act.’

Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a leading health insurance provider in the United States, was fatally shot in New York City during what authorities are calling a “targeted” attack.

The shooting occurred around 6:40 a.m. (11:40 GMT) on Wednesday, as Thompson was walking in a suit and tie toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan for a company investor meeting.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch during a news conference. “It seems the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes.”

Tisch called the murder a “brazen, targeted attack” in a social media post and emphasized the department’s commitment to apprehending the shooter.

At the early stages in our investigation this appears to be a brazen, targeted attack — this does not appear to be a random act of violence.

The full investigative effort of the NYPD is underway, and we will not rest until we apprehend the shooter.

Right now we are asking for… https://t.co/qnllIxo1Zc

— Jessica S. Tisch (@NYPDPC) December 4, 2024

Paulette Thompson, Brian’s wife, shared with NBC News that he had mentioned receiving threats from individuals. Although she did not have specific information, she suggested these threats may have been related to insurance matters.

Following the incident, authorities cordoned off the area on 54th Street outside the Hilton, where blue plastic gloves littered the ground and plastic cups marked spots where multiple bullet casings were found.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams remarked that police are analyzing evidence from the scene, including surveillance video. “It is evident that this was a targeted act by an individual, and we will ensure that this individual is apprehended,” he stated.

Reporting from New York, Al Jazeera’s Kristen Saloomey informed that investigators are interviewing Thompson’s co-workers and family to ascertain a potential motive.

Surveillance footage captured the alleged gunman, described as a white male with a grey backpack, fleeing on foot before switching to an e-bike and riding through Central Park.

The video shows the shooter emerging from behind a parked car, pausing to point a firearm at Thompson’s back, and then firing several shots from a few feet away.

As Thompson staggered forward and collapsed on the sidewalk, the attacker fired additional shots before walking past the fallen executive and out of view.

“The video suggests he is skilled with firearms, as he managed to quickly clear any malfunctions,” commented NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Authorities are urging the public to assist in the investigation, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The police have released a poster displaying a surveillance image of the suspect brandishing what appeared to be a gun, along with another image of him on a bicycle.

UnitedHealthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, is responsible for providing care to over 148 million individuals across the U.S. and South America, according to the company’s website.

Thompson had been with the Minnesota-based organization since 2004 and was appointed CEO in April 2021.

“We are profoundly saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” stated UnitedHealth Group in a press release.

“Brian was a respected colleague and friend to everyone at the company. We are cooperating closely with the NYPD and request your patience and understanding during this challenging time.”

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul described Thompson’s death as a “horrific and targeted shooting,” while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called it “a profound loss for the business and healthcare community in Minnesota.”