Brian Thompson’s wife Paulette Thompson told NBC News that he had told her “there were some people that had been threatening him”.
As authorities rushed to track down the guy who shot the CEO of the biggest health insurance firm in the United States in mid-Manhattan, his wife has claimed that he received death threats.
Shockwaves were caused by the Wednesday morning gunshot in front of a Hilton hotel as the city was bustling with people for the evening lighting of the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
“A premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack” and “does not appear to be a random act of violence” were the words used by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch in an attempt to comfort the guests.
“Millions of people will be enjoying the tree lighting tonight, among other holiday events, and the NYPD will be out there with them, keeping them safe,” she stated.
According to Paulette Thompson, Brian Thompson’s wife, he had informed her that “there were some people that had been threatening him” (NBC News).
She claimed that although she was unaware of the specifics, a “lack of coverage” in the business’s insurance plans might have served as the driving force.
Thompson oversaw United Healthcare (UHC), the biggest health insurance provider in the US with $281 billion in yearly revenue and over 140,000 workers, many of whom were based in India for back office, technology, and strategy positions.
In addition to selling plans under government programs for the elderly and underprivileged, the company offers private health insurance, primarily through employers.
The gunman was described by police as a light-skinned male with a grey rucksack, a black facemask, and a garment that was either light brown or cream in color.
As Thompson was making his way to the hotel for his company’s investment conference, Tisch informed him that “it appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes” and then shot him.
The shooter started shooting from behind, striking him in the chest and leg. Security footage shows him swiftly freeing the jammed.9 mm rifle and starting to fire again.
Joseph Kenny, the chief of the police department, stated, “It does appear he is proficient in the use of firearms, as he was able to clear the malfunction pretty quickly.”
Videos show the shooter riding away after calmly crossing the street and getting on one of the many electric bikes that are available for rent in the city.
Before the trail was abandoned, he was later seen in Central Park.
In an effort to find him, police are utilizing clues from the bike rental.
Thompson is seen in the footage turning around and heading in the direction of the shooter before collapsing to the ground.
Police and ambulance personnel arrived in a matter of minutes, attempted to revive him, and then took him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
After advancing through the ranks of UHC over the course of his 20-year career, Thompson, now 50, was appointed CEO.
His business released a statement saying, “Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
The business has come under fire from federal officials and lawmakers for allegedly refusing to cover clients or pay for medical services performed, leaving policyholders to bear the financial burden.
This has led to disputes and hostility among some of its insureds.
A number of people made negative remarks about Thompson on social media X.
