The spouse of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who tragically lost his life yesterday, has expressed her grief and discussed the ‘threats’ he received prior to his shooting.
Thompson, age 50, was fatally shot in the chest on the morning of December 4, in what police suspect to be a deliberate attack.
The incident occurred outside the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan, New York. Despite being rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, Thompson was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
Authorities report that the suspect remains at large, with witnesses noting he fled the scene by bicycle.
Thompson’s wife, speaking to the media, revealed that he had received threats before the incident occurred.
In an interview with NBC News, Paulette Thompson said: “There had been some threats. I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”
“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children.”
She also mentioned that police informed her they currently consider the attack to be targeted.
On Wednesday, the NYPD reached out via Twitter for information regarding a person they believe is connected to the shooting.
They shared an image depicting a man seemingly discharging a firearm while riding a bicycle, stating: “These are images of the individual sought in connection to this investigation. If anyone has information as to the identity or location of this individual, please @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS.”
Additional photos of the suspect were released showing him at a counter inside a building.
UnitedHealthcare, the largest private insurer in the United States, was scheduled to host an investor conference on Wednesday, which was abruptly canceled after the shooting incident.
Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, addressed the situation at the event, saying: “We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. As a result, I’m afraid, we’re going to have to bring to a close the event.”
Investigators have confirmed possession of video evidence of the shooting, yet the motive behind the suspect’s actions remains unclear. They have also gathered accounts from witnesses present during the incident.
One witness, speaking with PIX11, described the scene during the shooting.
Amar Abdelmula, a driver nearby, recounted: “I wasn’t paying attention and then I heard the shot. It was silent gun, black gun, saw him after he shot him and was running across the street. I tried to take a picture, but too far away, not clear.”
“I was shocked. First time I see crime in front of me. I was afraid he (would) shoot me too, my car, I saw everything.”