On Dec. 4, 2024, in the early hours of the morning, United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot while walking in Manhattan, New York. After being rushed to Mount Sinai West Hospital, Thompson was declared dead.
Surveillance footage released by CNN captures Thompson walking towards the company’s annual investor conference before being shot three times from behind by an unmasked gunman. The gun briefly malfunctioned, but the suspect swiftly cleared the jam and fired again, ignoring innocent bystanders as they fled the scene.
“Every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” Jessica Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, said.
“It does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms, as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” Joe Kenny, NYPD Chief of Detectives, said.
After the shooting, the gunman rode into Central Park on an e-bike, disposing of evidence along the way. On Dec. 6, The New York Police Department (NYPD) recovered a backpack containing a Tommy Hilfiger jacket and Monopoly money. Multiple images have been released of the suspected gunman, and it is believed that the suspect is no longer in New York City.
According to the NYPD, the words “delay,” “depose” and “deny” were written on the shell casings of the bullets fired. Police are led to believe that these phrases are in reference to a popular phrase in the insurance industry: “delay, deny, defend.”
It’s suspected that Thompson was targeted due to United Healthcare denying an estimated one-third of submitted claims. Earlier this year, a Senate committee concluded that United Healthcare, along with two other companies, were intentionally denying claims in order to increase profits. The company was also accused of using a faulty AI algorithm to deny elderly patients extended care.
A post announcing the death of Brian Thompson on UnitedHealthCare’s Facebook page received a response of more than 42,000 laughter emojis — causing the post to be deleted shortly after.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare … Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him,” United Healthcare said in a written statement released on their website.
While United Healthcare isn’t solely responsible for the state of the insurance industry, the death of a medical insurance CEO has sparked controversy. Many are using it as an opportunity to partake in discussions geared towards the injustices of the healthcare industry, voicing their anger towards high deductibles, denial of coverage and overall healthcare costs.
“Today, we mourn the death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, gunned down … wait, I’m sorry — today we mourn the deaths of the 68,000 Americans who needlessly die each year so that insurance company execs like Brian Thompson can become multimillionaires,” a professor at Columbia University said in a post on X.
As of Dec. 8, after a five-day manhunt, the New York City Mayor confirmed that authorities have ID’d the suspected gunman and are closing in on him. While evidence is awaiting forensic results, there is now a $60,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to DM @NYPDTips on X or Instagram.
