December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in New York City

 December4,2024,UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in New York City

The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was fatally shot outside a luxury hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday in what authorities are describing as a “brazen, targeted attack” by a methodical assailant using a firearm equipped with a silencer.

Thompson, 50, was ambushed by a masked gunman who had been lying in wait outside the Hilton hotel on Sixth Avenue, where Thompson had been hosting an investors’ conference, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“Many people passed by the suspect, but he appeared to be waiting specifically for his target,” Tisch said.

The cold-blooded gunman, who remained at large as of late Wednesday, was captured on disturbing surveillance footage obtained by The Post, calmly firing several shots into Thompson at around 6:46 a.m.

The suspect seen in a Starbucks prior to the shooting.DCPI

After the first bullet struck, Thompson stumbled and briefly turned to face his attacker, who calmly operated the weapon’s slide with each shot, as captured in the surveillance footage. Thompson tried to crawl away, helpless, as the gunman unleashed a barrage of bullets.

Law enforcement sources indicated that not only did the shooter appear to use a silencer, but he also demonstrated enough skill with the firearm to clear a jam smoothly and continue firing.

The chilling execution took place in full view of shocked onlookers in the heart of Manhattan, one of the busiest places in the world—just hours before, and just a few blocks from, the crowds gathered to watch the lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.

The gunman's methodical actions, including his getaway on an e-bike into Central Park, where surveillance coverage is limited, were well-planned. However, his apparent mistake—leaving behind a cell phone—could ultimately provide a critical clue.

Investigators are confident that a phone found in an alleyway near the Hilton belongs to the gunman, and they have obtained a search warrant to examine its contents, sources told The Post.

The motive behind the brutal attack remains unclear, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny. While a personal or professional vendetta has not been ruled out, law enforcement sources revealed that Thompson had previously received threats.

"Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted," Kenny said. "But at this point, we do not know why. This does not appear to be a random act of violence."

Thompson was highly respected in his field, earning nearly $9.9 million annually as the head of the nation's largest private health insurer, according to the Economic Research Institute.

However, his company had a history of controversial claim denials and was also under investigation by the Department of Justice for antitrust issues.

See More....