The head of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was tragically shot dead as he arrived at a hotel in New York for a conference. The police are still searching for the gunman, who targeted Thompson in what appears to be a preplanned attack. Security footage shows the gunman waiting for Thompson, allowing others to pass before shooting him. Despite the gun malfunctioning initially, the shooter continued the attack. Thompson, a well-respected CEO, did not have a security detail and seemed unaware of the danger he was in.
UnitedHealthcare, the largest U.S. health insurer, is reeling from a recent data hack that disrupted medical care for patients and doctors. UnitedHealth Group CEO, Andrew Witty, announced the cancellation of the conference following Thompson’s death. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and the police are working to determine what led to the attack.
Thompson, described as a friend to all, had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and had served as CEO for over three years. The state of Minnesota, where Thompson lived, expressed condolences to his family and colleagues. The bustling area in Manhattan where the shooting took place was cordoned off, but did not affect the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center.
The police are collaborating with Citi Bike to track the shooter’s escape route using a GPS-enabled bicycle. Thompson’s death has been met with shock and grief by the Minnesota community and the larger health-care industry. The search for the gunman continues as investigators seek to unravel the circumstances behind this tragic incident.
Source
Photo credit www.cbc.ca
