Manhunt underway after American health insurance boss shot dead outside New York hotel
A manhunt is underway in New York, after a major figure in America's lucrative health insurance industry was fatally shot on the street, ITV News' US Correspondent Dan Rivers reports
The CEO of an American insurance company has been killed in what police believe was a "targeted shooting" outside a New York hotel.
Brian Thompson, 50, was on the way to UnitedHealthcare's annual investor conference when he was fatally shot by a gunman on Wednesday morning.
No arrests have been made, and the New York Police Department are continuing their search for the perpetrator, who lay in wait for Mr Thompson for around ten minutes before firing from about six metres away.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the incident did not seem to be a "random act of violence".
She said: “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target."
Mr Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf, and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspect, dressed in a hoodie and grey backpack, fled down and alleyway before cycling into Central Park on an e-bike.
The ongoing search has involved police drones, helicopters and search dogs, and a reward of up to $10,000 (£7,864) for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Investigators recovered several 9mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a mobile phone from the alleyway through which the suspect fled.
Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that the executive told her "there were some people that had been threatening him.” She said she didn't have details, but suggested they may have involved issues with insurance coverage.
In a statement, UnitedHealth Group said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him."
A spokesperson for the New York Hilton Hotel, where Mr Thompson was walking towards when he was shot, said they were "deeply saddened" by the events.
It continued: "Our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department."
UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, ended its scheduled conference on Wednesday morning, due to what they called a “very serious medical situation with one of our team members".
Mr Thompson has been CEO of UnitedHealthcare for more than three years, and joined the company in 2004.
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The company is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the country, and also manages health insurance coverage for state and federally funded Medicaid programs.
Tim Walz, governor of Mr Thompson's home state of Minnesota, said he was sending prayers to his family and UnitedHealthcare.
“This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” he said.
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