The CEO of one of America’s largest health insurance companies was shot dead in Manhattan on Wednesday morning in what police called a “brazen, targeted attack.”

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was shot outside the Midtown hotel where parent company UnitedHealth Group (UNH) was scheduled to hold its investor conference Wednesday morning.

“At this point, all indications are that this was a premeditated, planned and targeted attack,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a news conference Wednesday.

The suspected gunman lay in wait for several minutes and approached Thompson from behind as the executive director entered the conference hotel and fired several shots, Tisch said. Thompson was shot at least twice, in the back and in the leg. He was pronounced dead at Mount Sinai West Hospital.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague,” UnitedHealth said in a statement Wednesday. “Brian was a valued colleague and friend to everyone who worked with him.” The company said it worked closely with the NYPD.

The search for the shooter is still ongoing. The NYPD has asked the public for help in the case and is offering a $10,000 reward for information about the murder.

According to witness statements, the suspect, who investigators described as a light-skinned man, stood by before he began shooting. He fled on foot and then rode away on an e-bike. He was last seen in Central Park.

The shooting happened just before 7:00 a.m. ET. Police recovered three live cartridges and three fired cartridge cases from the scene. Although they don’t have a motive, investigators believe Thompson was specifically targeted.

“There were some threats,” Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News on Wednesday. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of reporting? I don’t know any details. All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him.”

Security measures for corporate officers are common in most large companies, but can vary in scope and scope.

In its 2024 proxy statement, UnitedHealth said that Andrew Witty, its CEO, “is required to use company aircraft for all business travel for personal safety reasons and is encouraged to use company aircraft for all personal travel.” This Company did not disclose additional costs or security measures requested by other executives or board members.

As department head, Thompson was less well-known to the public than UnitedHealth’s CEO, even though he led a company that provided health insurance to nearly 50 million Americans.

The story continues