Authorities have identified a suspect in the murder of Brian Thompson, a UnitedHealth executive, and are closing in on his location, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Dec. 7. Speaking at a Police Athletic League event, Mr. Adams refrained from naming the suspect, stating that releasing such information could provide the individual an advantage.
Brian Thompson, 50, CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division since 2021, was shot in the back on Dec. 4 in what police believe was a targeted attack. The incident occurred at 6:45 a.m. near Sixth Avenue, just ahead of UnitedHealth’s annual investor conference.
Security footage showed the masked assailant waiting for Mr. Thompson, ignoring other pedestrians before firing at him. After the attack, the gunman fled on an electric bike into Central Park. Police later tracked him to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where he was seen boarding an interstate bus, prompting authorities to believe he has left New York City.
“We’ve revealed his face,” Mr. Adams said, referring to security footage released after the shooting. “We’re going to reveal who he is and bring him to justice.”
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny described the attack as premeditated and meticulously planned, with the suspect deliberately targeting Mr. Thompson. The motive remains unclear.
Thompson, a married father of two, suffered gunshot wounds to his back and leg and was pronounced dead at a hospital shortly after the attack. His murder has sparked a citywide manhunt, with officials vowing to apprehend the suspect.
UnitedHealth, the largest health insurer in the United States, plays a significant role in the nation’s healthcare system, covering tens of millions of Americans.