Crime
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson receiving ‘threats’ prior to fatal shooting, wife Paulette ‘Pauley’ Thompson says
Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare’s insurance division, had reportedly been the target of threats in the weeks leading up to his tragic and fatal shooting in Midtown Manhattan, according to his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson.
The 50-year-old executive was gunned down outside the New York Hilton Midtown early Wednesday morning in what authorities have labeled a targeted attack.
The incident occurred as Thompson arrived at the hotel for an Investor Day conference. A masked assailant, allegedly waiting for him, fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.
Paulette Thompson, grieving the loss of her husband, revealed that Brian had recently been receiving threats. While she did not elaborate on the nature or source of these threats, she emphasized that Brian had shared his concerns with her in private conversations. “He mentioned feeling uneasy recently, but he didn’t let it show much,” she said. “I never thought it would escalate to this.”
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether these threats are linked to the fatal shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement officials are examining all possible motives, including business-related disputes or personal vendettas.
Mayor Eric Adams reassured the public that the shooting was not a random act of violence.
“This appears to have been a deliberate and targeted murder,” he stated during a press conference. Police sources indicated that the assailant fired multiple shots from a distance before fleeing through the Ziegfeld alleyway.
The suspect, described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask, and black-and-white sneakers, remains at large. Surveillance images show him carrying a gray backpack and later pedaling away on a bicycle.
Brian Thompson leaves behind Paulette, a seasoned physical therapist, and their two children.
The family resides in Maple Grove, Minnesota, where they shared a $1.5 million home. Paulette, who earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa, has been an anchor for the family while excelling in her career with Park Nicollet Health Services.
The couple had built a life centered on family values and shared moments. Paulette often shared heartfelt posts of family vacations and gatherings, highlighting their close-knit bond.
Thompson had served UnitedHealthcare for over 20 years, rising to become CEO in 2021. Known for his leadership in government programs, including Medicare and retirement initiatives, he was a respected figure in the healthcare industry.
The tragic loss of Brian Thompson has left his family, colleagues, and the broader community in shock. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward.
As the investigation continues, Paulette and her family are left grappling with unanswered questions and the void left by a man described as a dedicated husband, father, and leader.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.