CEO of UnitedHealthcare shot, killed in Manhattan
On Wednesday morning, Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan while on his way to an annual investor meeting, according to a report by Reuters.
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurers in the country and provides care for those covered under Rutgers' health insurance plans.
The shooter wore a black face mask, black-and-white sneakers and a gray backpack. The attack can be seen on a surveillance video.
Following the shooting, the New York Police Department (NYPD) launched a manhunt for the perpetrator. As of Thursday afternoon, they have yet to be identified.
The shooter used ammunition with the words "deny," "defend" and "depose" written on it in marker, which has led to speculation that the shooting was related to UnitedHealthcare's history of health insurance claim denials.
"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," said New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. "Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack."
The NYPD has released new images of a man needed for questioning in relation to the attack. It also has a tip line set up for the public to submit information that may lead to the suspect's apprehension.
"We ask you to call the tip line because that little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together," Carlos Nieves, a spokesperson for the NYPD, said.
