Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death on Wednesday outside the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, where the insurance company was hosting an investor day.
Thompson, 50, was named CEO of UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealth Group’s insurance arm, in April 2021. He joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and had previously served as CEO of the company’s government programs, which included Medicare, retiree coverage, and various community and state programs offering Medicaid and other healthcare options to millions.
In his latest position as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, he led the growth of the company’s global, employer, individual, specialty, and government benefits businesses, according to a 2021 company statement announcing his appointment.
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“Brian’s experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how healthcare works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, leading to continued and sustained long-term growth,” UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said at the time.
The masked gunman, who remains on the loose, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. But the motive remains unknown, police said.
Shell casings with the words “Delay” and “Depose” carved into them were found at the scene according to the authorities. The insurance industry has a popular phrase surrounding it—delay, deny, defend—and police are exploring whether these words point to a motive.
Public’s online response
The news of Thompson’s death was met with a bizarre response on social media, with many cheering the death of the CEO, while many hailed the shooter as a hero.
“I submitted a claim for my condolences but it got denied so sad [sad faced emoji],” wrote one user in jest to the news.
“I know he’s looking up at us now [prayer hand emoji],” wrote another in a TikTok comment, suggesting that Thompson could be in hell.
Another post that has gained popularity on social media is the one where it is being reported that the deceased, in his time as CEO “deployed an AI model with a 90% error rate,” which in turn faultily denied many claims leading to hundreds if not thousands of lives being lost.
UnitedHealthcare reportedly has the highest claim denial rate in the United States at 32%, which is 16% higher than the industry average.
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Financial outlook
The day before Thompson’s assassination, UnitedHealth Group shared its 2025 financial outlook ahead of its Investor Conference that was to be held on Dec. 4 and had to be abruptly cancelled later.
UnitedHealth Group, which consists of UnitedHealthcare and Optum, expects anywhere between $450 billion to $455 billion in revenue which is higher than analysts’ average estimate of $431.397 billion.
With net earnings of $28.15 to $28.65 per share and adjusted net earnings of $29.50 to $30.00 per share, according to its statement, the company is currently profitable and expects higher net earnings in 2025 than in 2024, anticipating further financial growth.
The impact of the shooting on the healthcare giant’s operations and reputation remains uncertain.
Police findings
Police appear to be closing in on the identity of the man suspected of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan, sources told ABC News.
Authorities on Thursday released images of the suspect taken from a surveillance camera at the HI New York City Hostel at West 103rd Street on the Upper West Side, where it appears the suspect shared a room with two other men. But the developing story points that the police have now amended the image to that of person of interest rather than suspect. The NYPD is facing flack from the public for being premature with their findings as the image of the person of interest is making the rounds on social media.
The story is still developing and the suspect is still at large.