UnitedHealthcare employees are shaken after CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel.
Thompson, 50, was killed in what NYPD officials believe was a targeted attack as he exited the hotel before an investor conference. His killer remains on the loose.
According to a release from the country's biggest healthcare company on Tuesday, Thompson was set to speak about the company's hugely profitable 2025 financial outlook, including announcing expected revenues upwards of $450 billion.
'We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare. Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,' the company said.
'We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.'
Tributes have been pouring in for the beloved boss with devastated colleagues sending their condolences to his wife and two children.
'I am deeply heartbroken by the passing of our CEO Brian Thompson. He was a truly remarkable person—so humble, kind, cheerful, and full of life. He had a way of making everyone feel valued, and his positivity was contagious,' one employee said.
'My heart goes out to his family and his children during this incredibly difficult time. This is a profoundly sad moment for me and for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.'
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside Manhattan's Hilton Hotel on Wednesday
Tributes have been pouring in for the beloved boss with devastated colleagues sending their condolences to his wife and two children
Shocking surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com captured the moment he was brutally murdered
'My deepest condolences to the family of our UHC CEO, Brian Thompson! He was such a humble person when we met and will truly be missed,' another person said.
A third employee said, 'So incredibly sad! He was a valued member of our UHC Family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family and friends. Rest in peace Brian Thompson.'
'This is a SAD Day. I have been working for UnitedHealth Care for 18 years now. Wonder why this happened. RIP Brian Thompson,' a fourth employee said.
'RIP Mr. Brian Thompson, thank you for what you did for our company and for the world of health insurance. You will be missed,' said a fifth.
Another person said, 'A bright light was extinguished today. BT was always fighting for the employees and members, making sure everyone understood the importance of compassion and appreciation.
'The last 3 years, while he was in charge we've seen a lot of changes within the company for the better. Rest peacefully, BT, you will be missed.'
Shocking surveillance footage obtained by DailyMail.com captured the moment he was brutally murdered.
Thompson was seen leaving the hotel at 6:45am on Wednesday, when a masked assailant draws out a gun with a silencer and shoots him in the back.
After Thompson, the head of America's largest health insurance company, stumbled away from the attacker, the gunman follows him and continues firing into the CEO as he hit the ground.
The assassin fled the scene and escaped into Central Park on a bike, with the NYPD releasing chilling images of the assassin to aid the search, along with a $10,000 reward.
Witnesses said the suspected gunman was seen waiting for some time outside the hotel before the shooting, and knew which door Thompson was going to emerge from before opening fire.
Several people were seen in the footage standing nearby when Thompson was hit, with one woman sprinting down the street after being just feet away from the tragedy.
Thompson was named UnitedHealthcare CEO in 2021 and earned a reported $10 million a year, and for several years prior he ran the Medicare business within UnitedHealthcare.
