The CEO of insurance giant UnitedHealthcare was fatally shot outside the Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan Wednesday morning in what police have called a “brazen targeted attack.”

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot just before 7 a.m. near the hotel on 54th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, the recent York City Police Department (NYPD) said. He was attending UnitedHealth throng’s annual conference for analysts and investors.

Reports:UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson fatally shot in recent York City

A spokesperson for NYPD said police arrived and found the man unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the leg and chest. Emergency medical responders rushed the man to Mount Sinai West, where he was pronounced dead. Police are still searching for the masked suspect.

“Brian was a highly respected co-worker and partner to all who worked with him,” UnitedHealth throng, the parent business of United Healthcare, said in a statement. “We are working closely with the recent York Police Department and inquire for your patience and understanding during this challenging period. Our hearts leave out to Brian’s household and all who were close to him.”

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Here’s what to recognize about Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

Who was Brian Thompson?

Brian Thompson was the 50-year-ancient Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare. Based in Maple Grove, Minnesota, Thompson was named CEO in April 2021, having joined the business in 2004. According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously served as a manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, before signing on with United as Director of Corporate advancement.

He had multiple leadership positions in his period with the business, having last held the title of chief executive officer of government programs, including overseeing the business’s Medicare and superannuation and throng and state businesses. In his current position, Thompson managed the healthcare benefits business of the business.

He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1997 with a Bachelor’s in business administration and bookkeeping, also according to his LinkedIn.

He is survived by his two sons and wife, Paulette Thompson, who told NBC her husband had previously received threats related to his job. Paulette, 51, is a physical therapist of over 20 years and graduated from the same college as her husband, according to her workplace bio.

What is UnitedHealth throng?

UnitedHealth throng is among the country’s largest healthcare companies and provides health insurance, pharmacy benefits and healthcare services.

Its health insurance unit, UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for more than 29 million U.S. individuals, according to the business’s website. In 2024, United Healthcare ranked number 8 on the Fortune Global 500, and its parent business, UnitedHealth throng employs 439,000 people, generating $379.5 billion in income in 2024, according to Forbes.

This is a developing narrative and will be updated.

Contributing: Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY; Reuters