The wife of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealth Group CEO who was shot outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, said her husband received threats before the attack.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News that she had been informed by the New York Police Department that the attack on her husband was being planned.

“Yes, there were some threats, I basically don’t know, lack of reporting? I don’t know any details,” Paulette Thompson told NBC News. “All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him.”

Despite the threats, her husband hasn’t changed his travel plans, Paulette says.

“I can’t really give a thoughtful answer right now,” she told NBC News. “I just found this out and I’m trying to comfort my kids.”

An NYPD spokesperson tells PEOPLE that police responded to a call around 6:40 a.m. outside 1335 Sixth Avenue, the address of the New York Hilton Midtown. A 50-year-old man was shot in the chest and later pronounced dead at the hospital, according to police.

UnitedHealth confirmed that Thompson was the victim.

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The NYPD says it is still searching for the masked gunman, who the department says fled north on Sixth Avenue on an electric Citibike.

According to his company bio, Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the company said in a statement. “Brian was a valued colleague and friend to everyone who worked with him.” We are working closely with the NYPD and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”