UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot early Wednesday in midtown Manhattan in what police said was a “brazen, targeted attack.”

Thompson, 50, was shot in the back and leg near the New York Hilton, where the company’s annual investor conference was scheduled to take place. The event was canceled after reports of the shooting emerged.

Andrew Witty, CEO of United Healthcare Group, had spoken at the conference that morning, The New York Times reported. After he left the stage at the hotel, those in attendance learned that Thompson had been shot.

“After we left the presentation room,” Michael Ha, an equity analyst at Baird who attended the conference Wednesday morning, told the Times, “there was a lot of sadness in the hallway and in the lobby.” There were people crying. People were scared.”

Thompson was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The gunman – described by police as a light-skinned man wearing a cream jacket and carrying a gray backpack – fled the scene and a manhunt is underway.

“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.”

Who was Brian Thompson?

According to his bio on the Minnesota-based company’s website, Thompson was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare in April 2021 after previously serving as CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s government programs, which include Medicare & Retirement and Community & State.

In 2004, he joined the company, part of UnitedHealth Group, ranked eighth on Fortune’s 2024 list of the world’s 500 largest companies. He initially specialized in mergers and acquisitions.

Previously, Thompson worked as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and served as a manager in the transaction advisory group of the firm’s audit department, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from the University of Iowa. He completed his studies in 1997.

He was a husband and father of two children.

Family and lawmakers are mourning Thompson’s death

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Thompson lived in Maple Grove, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis.

His wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that her husband told her he had received threats.

“There had been some threats,” she said. “I don’t know any details. All I know is that he said there were some people who threatened him.”

“He was a good person and I’m so sad,” Elena Reveiz, Thompson’s sister-in-law, told the New York Times.

In a post on X, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called Thompson’s killing “terrible news and a terrible loss for Minnesota’s economy and healthcare.”

“Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team,” Walz added.

“This is a shocking and devastating loss for our entire community,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wrote on X. “Brian was a great man and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

“This is a terrible and shocking act of violence,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar wrote on X. “My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and everyone who works at United Healthcare of Minnesota.”