Crime
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot and killed outside Hilton hotel in Midtown
No arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealth, was fatally shot in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning in what authorities describe as a targeted attack.
The incident occurred around 6:46 a.m. outside the Hilton hotel on 6th Avenue.
According to police sources, a masked suspect approached Thompson and fired a single shot to his chest before fleeing eastbound.
Emergency responders transported Thompson to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the incident, and preliminary reports suggest that Thompson was deliberately targeted.
The suspect is described as a white male wearing a cream-colored jacket, a black face mask, black and white sneakers, and carrying a grey backpack.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect loitering near the Hilton hotel on 6th Avenue prior to the incident.
Police sources confirmed that the suspect was not a registered guest at the hotel, though it remains unclear if he had any other connection to the location.
According to investigators, the suspect opened fire upon spotting Thompson, shooting from a distance and striking him multiple times.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene via the Ziegfeld alleyway, escaping on a bicycle.
Brian Thompson, who had been with UnitedHealth for two decades, was appointed CEO in 2021. Before taking on the leadership role, Thompson led the company’s government programs division, overseeing Medicare and retirement initiatives.
Brian Thompson is survived by his wife, Paulette “Pauley” Thompson, 51, and their two children. The family resides in a $1.5 million home in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Pauley, a devoted mother of two, is a seasoned physical therapist with more than 20 years of experience, currently practicing with Park Nicollet Health Services.
Originally from Webster City, Iowa, she earned her Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa in 1999, the same institution her late husband attended.
Known for her warm and family-centered demeanor, Pauley has shared heartfelt moments on social media, showcasing treasured family vacations and expressing her love for spending time with her children, friends, and loved ones. Her dedication to her family and profession has been a cornerstone of her life.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact authorities.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Authorities have identified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot Monday afternoon while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga as Deputy Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department.
Deputy Nuñez was tragically killed after being struck in the head by gunfire during a confrontation with an armed suspect that led to a high-speed pursuit and crash along the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began at approximately 12:37 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga following reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nuñez.
Additional units immediately rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
Deputy Nuñez was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase traveled eastbound along the 210 Freeway, reaching high speeds through several communities.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, dozens of deputies, officers, and family members gathered in somber unity as news spread of Deputy Nuñez’s passing.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus was among those present, describing the event as a heartbreaking and devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Deputy Nuñez was a dedicated public servant who risked his life to protect others,” Sheriff Dicus said. “He exemplified courage, professionalism, and compassion — and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Andrew Nuñez had served honorably with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.
He is remembered as a devoted deputy, colleague, and friend who consistently demonstrated commitment to his duty and the residents he served.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI, is leading the investigation into the shooting and pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending formal charges.
The department announced that further updates, including funeral arrangements and memorial details, will be shared at a later time.
“Please keep Deputy Nuñez’s family, loved ones, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.