Crime
Graphic video shows moments UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson gunned down by suspect at close range
Newly released surveillance footage has shed light on the horrifying final moments of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a targeted attack on the streets of Midtown Manhattan.
The video shows the unidentified gunman, dressed in a black hoodie, black pants, gloves, and carrying a gray backpack, methodically stalking and executing his attack.
Armed with what appears to be a single-action handgun, the shooter moves with chilling composure, pulling back the slide between shots—a maneuver indicative of a calculated and deliberate approach.
The footage captures the gunman firing the first shot, striking Thompson in the back. The 50-year-old executive stumbles forward before collapsing onto the sidewalk.
Desperately, Thompson attempts to crawl away from his attacker, but the assailant remains relentless, continuing to fire at close range.
A police source revealed that the gunman encountered a technical issue during the assault. The weapon appeared to jam at one point, forcing the shooter to adjust the firearm before continuing to fire. This level of weapon handling, police suggest, indicates the attacker has a certain level of experience or familiarity with firearms.
The attack, which occurred around 6:46 a.m. outside the New York Hilton Midtown, has been confirmed as a targeted act by law enforcement. Thompson, a prominent figure in the healthcare industry, had arrived at the hotel for an Investor Day conference. Authorities believe the gunman had been waiting for Thompson to arrive.
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the public following the incident, assuring New Yorkers that this was not a random act of violence. “This was a calculated and targeted murder,” Adams said. “We are working tirelessly to bring the individual responsible to justice.”
Thompson, who had worked with UnitedHealthcare for over two decades and was appointed CEO in 2021, was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His death has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and left his family, friends, and colleagues grappling with the tragedy.
He is survived by his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, and their two children. The family resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they have built a life centered on community and family values.
Law enforcement continues to search for the assailant, described as a white male in a cream-colored jacket and black-and-white sneakers. Surveillance footage shows the shooter fleeing through the Ziegfeld alleyway before escaping on a bicycle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The suspect remains at large, and investigators are exploring all possible motives, including professional or personal disputes.
As details emerge, the chilling footage underscores the calculated and brutal nature of the attack, leaving many to question what led to such a tragic and deliberate act of violence against a respected leader.
Authorities are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred near Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Friday night, leaving a 27-year-old man dead after being attacked by a group of individuals.
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD) and sources close to the investigation, the victim, identified as Michael Arguy Hernandez Jr., was walking near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue when he was ambushed by a group of four people.
During the attack, Hernandez sustained a stab wound to the chest and multiple stab wounds to his back around 9:00 p.m.
Despite his injuries, Hernandez managed to walk a short distance before collapsing at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, where responding emergency personnel found him.
He was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A local resident, whose apartment overlooks the scene, reported hearing screams at the time of the attack but initially dismissed them, believing it to be teenagers making noise earlier in the evening.
Hernandez’s grieving family has since spoken out about their devastating loss, remembering him as a bright and compassionate young man who was deeply devoted to his family. His mother, in a heartfelt plea, described her son as someone with a passion for technology and video games, adding that “he loved his family above all else.”
The NYPD has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.
A fundraiser has been organized to assist with Hernandez’s funeral expenses, with his family expressing gratitude for any support as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.
“Justice will be served for my son,” his mother declared. “Heaven has gained an angel.”
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).