UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot and killed in NYC. Police say it was a targeted attack.

NEW YORK - UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in what appears to be a targeted attack Wednesday morning outside a Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the New York City Police Department says.

Police said the 50-year-old CEO was shot once in the back and once in the leg. He was rushed to Mount Sinai West, but did not survive his injuries.

"I want to be clear, at this time, every indication is that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference.

"The motive for this murder currently is unknown, but, based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted. But at this point, we do not know why," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny added. "This does not appear to be a random act of violence."

A spokesperson for UnitedHealthcare told CBS News the shooting took place during the company's investors conference. It was scheduled to be livestreamed from a hotel ballroom starting at 8 a.m. but has now been canceled.  

"It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and, as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind," Tisch said. "Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target."

A manhunt is now underway for the gunman, who was wearing a black face mask, brown or cream jacket, black and white sneakers and gray backpack. Police said the suspect fled into the alley between West 54th and West 55th streets, then rode an electric Citi Bike up to Central Park, where he was last seen at 6:48 a.m. on Center Drive.  

Investigators are gathering surveillance video from surrounding buildings and interviewing anyone who may have seen what happened. CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer asked whether a silencer was used in the shooting, but the chief of detectives said police are still working to determine that and process other evidence, including a cellphone, from the scene.

"What we know is that the shooter arrived at the location on foot about five minutes prior to the victim's arrival. He stands alongside the building line, as numerous other people and pedestrians pass him by," Kenny said.

"The shooter steps onto the sidewalk from behind a car, he ignores numerous other pedestrians, approaches the victim from behind and shoots him in the back," he continued. "The shooter then walks toward the victim and continues to shoot. It appears that the gun malfunctions, as he clears the jam, and begins to fire again."

UnitedHealthcare security and investigators are combing through files for any possible previous threats, disgruntled or recently fired employees, a law enforcement source told CBS News.

"We're looking at everything, we're looking at his social media, we are interviewing employees, we are interviewing family members, we will be speaking to local law enforcement in Minnesota," said Kenny.   

The company is based in Minnesota, where the governor and other leaders are reacting to news of the shooting.

"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media. "Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team."

Thompson had been with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and was named CEO in 2021, according to its website. He was a father of two and an active member of his community.

"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," UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "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."

The deadly shooting happened shortly after 6:45 a.m. outside the Hilton Midtown hotel on Sixth Avenue near West 54th Street. More than a dozen officers responded and blocked off West 54th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues for the morning commute. 

"We are deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy," a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.      

One witness said he was sitting inside his car when he heard a gunshot and saw a man running away with a gun in his hand.

"I was looking at my phone and I hear the shot," he said. "I was shocked, it's the first time I've ever seen a crime right in front of me. Now I fear he could shoot me too."

The hotel is located in a busy area, just blocks away from Rockefeller Center, where the annual tree lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday night. NYPD officials said the ceremony will continue as planned.

"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," Tisch said.

"We will have a massive police presence out there around Rockefeller Center from 52nd Street all the way down to 47th Street," said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. "We're going to have additional police officers in the subway, as well, so people can take mass transit to make it easier to travel into the city and enjoy the tree. This is a terrible event, but we're going to go on, and people are going to enjoy the tree lighting tonight."

A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case. The NYPD asks the public to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via their website. All calls are kept confidential.

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