MIDTOWN (WABC) – The CEO of UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot Wednesday morning in midtown Manhattan in a “brazen targeted attack,” police said.

Brian Thompson, 50, of Minnesota, was shot about 6:45 a.m. outside the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets. He was seen on video leaving his hotel across the street to enter the Hilton several minutes earlier, around 6:40 a.m., police said.

He was taken to Mount Sinai West, where he later died.

Thompson was in New York City for an investor conference at the Hilton, located in the heart of Midtown and just blocks from Rockefeller Center.

His plan was widely known and police believe the shooting was targeted and did not appear to be accidental.

UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., and the shooter appeared to have arrived hours earlier.

The gunman appeared to know which door Thompson would enter and was seen on video loitering around the hotel at least five minutes before the shooting. Thompson was attacked from behind and fired several shots at the West 54th Street door at close range, including several shots in the back and once in the right calf.

Three spent cartridge cases and three live cartridges from a 9mm rifle were found. At some point the gun appeared to jam. Once he cleared the jam, he resumed shooting.

The shooter is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, tall and slim, wearing a black jacket, black hat, black ski mask and black backpack.

He ran down Ziegfeld Alleyway in the middle of the block, eventually hopped on a CitiBike and pedaled into Central Park. The bikes are equipped with GPS and the police are lenient.

Police are searching the area for surveillance video and are offering a $10,000 reward for information.

His wife, Paulette Thompson, released a statement to ABC:

“We are devastated to hear of the senseless murder of our beloved Brian. Brian was an incredibly loving, generous and talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and touched so many lives. Most importantly, Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed. We appreciate your well wishes and ask for complete privacy as our family navigates this difficult time.

“We’re just so sad right now,” Elena Reveiz, Thompson’s wife’s sister, told ABC News by phone.

Reveiz said she was particularly concerned about Thompson’s two children and called the CEO a good father.

NYPD officials said during a press conference that New Yorkers should go about their daily lives but remain vigilant. They use drones and K-9s to make quick arrests possible.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she has directed state police to assist the NYPD in its investigation to ensure the safety of all New Yorkers.

“Our thoughts are with Mr. Thompson’s family and loved ones and we are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” she said.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company is UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the world.

Thompson was promoted to CEO of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. Thompson arrived in New York on Monday. He entered the Hilton alone and without security, police said.

UnitedHealthcare executives spoke at the hotel’s second-floor investor conference that was about to begin when news of the shooting spread. The company quickly canceled the day’s operations.

UnitedHealth Group issued the following statement today:

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a valued colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department. Please be patient and understanding during this difficult time. Our condolences go out to Brian’s family and everyone who was close to him.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz released a statement about the “horrific loss.”

“This is terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s economy and health care system. Minnesota extends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.”

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