A video has emerged showing the moments before a health care leader was assassinated on a New York City street. The police assume that this was a targeted attack.

Brian Thompson is shown walking through Manhattan when the killer appears from behind a car and raises a gun – presumably fitted with a silencer – from about 15 feet away.

After the footage cuts, the shooter can be seen running across the street and disappearing. Authorities said the man fled into Central Park on an electric bicycle.

According to police, the attacker shot Mr. Thompson several times and continued firing even though the gun jammed briefly.

Mr. Thompson, 50, was hit at least once in the back and once in the calf during the attack, which took place on Sixth Avenue around 6:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday.

He was taken to hospital but could not be saved.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the killer appeared to have “aligned” Mr Thompson for several minutes.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence. Everything indicates that this was a premeditated, pre-planned and targeted attack,” she said.

CCTV images appear to show a white man wearing all black clothing and carrying a gray backpack.

Detective Chief Joseph Kenny added: “It’s clear from the video that he is knowledgeable about firearms as he was able to resolve the malfunctions fairly quickly.”

Drones, helicopters and dogs are now being used in the hunt for the murderer.

The shooting scene is a short walk from attractions such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Center.

Mr. Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was chairman of UnitedHealthcare and was murdered on his way to the investor conference at a nearby Hilton hotel.

The motive for the killing is unclear, but his wife told NBC News he had received threats and suspected it may have been insurance coverage issues.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in America, managing insurance for employers and state and federally funded programs.

The company conference started as planned at 8 a.m. However, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty took the stage after an hour and announced that the events had been canceled.

It later removed photos of the leadership team from its website.

Read more from Sky News:
Trump defense attorney Pete Hegseth “won’t back down”
Eminem’s mother Debbie Nelson has died aged 69

Mr. Thompson has worked for the company since 2004 and has led the insurance division since 2021.

“We work closely with him new York Police and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time,” the company said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.”