UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a New York City hotel on his way to speak at an investor conference, despite receiving recent threats. Thompson did not have a personal security detail with him at the time of the shooting, and the gunman targeted him specifically. While UnitedHealth Group does not provide regular company-funded personal security to its executives, other insurance companies such as Humana and Cigna do. The motive behind the shooting is believed to be a personal vendetta tied to Thompson’s company.
Thompson’s wife mentioned that there had been threats against him, but he had not altered his travel routine. Former FBI Supervisor Rob D’Amico stated that locating high-ranking business figures, like Thompson, can be easily done through online searches. Police in Thompson’s hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota had not been notified of any threats against him prior to the shooting.
Authorities are actively investigating the shooting, and the suspect was last seen fleeing on an e-bike in Central Park. The NYPD and Maple Grove police are working together on the case. UnitedHealthcare has expressed condolences to the Thompson family, and investigations are ongoing to uncover the motive behind the targeted attack on the CEO.
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