Police in New York are hunting a gunman who shot dead a healthcare executive outside a hotel in what was a “brazen targeted attack”.
Brian Thompson, who had been the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was killed outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.
The gunman, who was wearing a face mask, was lying in wait for several minutes before he approached the 50-year-old victim from behind.
He opened fire several times, shooting him in the back.
Police said the weapon jammed during the attack, which happened at around 6.45am local time on Wednesday.
The suspect then fled on foot before getting on an e-bike and was last seen in Central Park.
Mr Thompson was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.
Police are still searching for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 (£7,866) reward for information.
Photos taken from CCTV footage shows a man wearing a grey backpack riding a bicycle, and another photo of the individual appearing to be pointing a gun.
New York City’s police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a “brazen, targeted attack”.
Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said that he had been receiving threats.
Security camera still images showing the shooter reportedly involved in killing of Brian Thompson. Pic: Reuters
“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call to Sky’s US partner network, NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? 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 added.
The attack happened as the company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors on Wednesday…
