*In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the New York business community, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, was fatally shot early Wednesday morning in Midtown Manhattan. Sources indicate that the assailant utilized a silencer on his firearm during the attack, adding a chilling element to an already tragic event.
Thompson, 50, was shot at approximately 6:45 a.m. as he walked past the Hilton Hotel. A female witness who was nearby during the shooting narrowly escaped harm, illustrating the brazen nature of the attack.
Newly released video footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the harrowing moments leading up to the shooting.
In the video (watch below), Thompson is seen strolling along the sidewalk when a masked gunman, clad in a black hoodie and carrying a backpack, approaches him from behind.
The footage captures the terrifying scene as the shooter raises a handgun—clad in glove-covered hands—and begins firing at close range. The gun appears to malfunction at one point, forcing the assailant to smack the weapon in an attempt to fix it while moving toward Thompson, who seems to struggle to escape. Eyewitnesses reported seeing pedestrians react in horror, with one terrified individual fleeing just feet away from the unfolding violence.
Video of shooting of United Health CEO, #BrianThompson.#NewYork pic.twitter.com/ZfRvBWOofQ
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) December 4, 2024
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene on an e-Citi bike, pedaling into Central Park, an escape that has left law enforcement scrambling to identify and apprehend him.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has since released surveillance images of the alleged shooter and footage of him making a stop at a nearby Starbucks, hoping to establish a timeline that leads to the suspect’s capture. In a statement released the same day, New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her condolences and concern regarding the incident.
“Earlier today I was briefed by the Superintendent of the New York State Police on the horrific and targeted shooting,” she said.
Hochul also assured the public of state support for the NYPD’s ongoing investigation, reaffirming a commitment to ensure the safety of New Yorkers.
In light of the tragedy, New York City Crimestoppers has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the gunman. The NYPD urges anyone with pertinent information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community help in solving this crime.
Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, shared her grief with Fox News Digital, stating that her family is “shattered” by the loss of her husband.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives,” she expressed in a poignant tribute. Highlighting his role as a devoted father, she concluded with a request for privacy as they navigate this heartbreaking chapter in their lives.
As investigations continue and authorities work to bring Thompson’s murderer to justice, the tragic nature of this crime serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing urban areas when it comes to gun violence and public safety. The UnitedHealth Group community and Thompson’s family and friends mourn a leader whose contributions will be sorely missed.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS, or for Spanish speakers, 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website.
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