Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, was killed early Wednesday by a masked gunman outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown where he was scheduled to address a ballroom full of colleagues, officials said.

Investigators are investigating the possibility that the gunman ambushed Thompson before the shooting.

Thompson, 50, was walking past the Residences Hilton Club on Sixth Avenue near W. 54th St. about 6:45 a.m. when the gunman rushed toward him and opened fire, cops said.

EMS transported the victim to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where he died from his wounds.

The shooter fled and was wanted.

According to preliminary reports, witnesses told police that the gunman, who was wearing a cream-colored coat and carrying a backpack, emerged from an alley before shooting Thompson, who was scheduled to give a speech at a symposium at the hotel.

According to his company bio, Thompson was named chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021. Prior to this position, he served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare government programs, including Medicare & Retirement and Community & State. Before leading government programs, Thompson was CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement.

Police believe the gunman waited in the alley for the victim to pass before shooting him.

There were no arrests.

Investigators searched the area for surveillance footage that could help them identify the shooter.

Originally published: December 4, 2024 at 8:46 am EST