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.
PIKE COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a large private party attended by several hundred people in Pike County.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas, a resident of Dothan, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday at a private event venue known as Hideaways, located on Gardner Bassett Road.
Sheriff Russell Thomas said that between 300 and 350 people were inside the venue when shots were fired. “We knew there was a huge party being planned,” Thomas said. “It was well advertised. We had seen the flyers, and we were very concerned. Unfortunately, what we feared might happen did.”
Lucas reportedly attempted to escape the gunfire and made it to the front door before collapsing.
He was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Two deputies who were patrolling nearby arrived on the scene almost immediately after shots were fired. “Once the shooting started, it was a mass exodus,” Thomas explained. “Everyone got in their cars and left.”
Investigators remained at the location until approximately 6 a.m., processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff Thomas noted that because the event center is privately owned, its operators are not required to hold a business or liquor license.
He said the individuals organizing the party were from Birmingham, and attendees had traveled from across central and southern Alabama, including Montgomery, Mobile, and Dothan.
“It’s a really tough situation,” Thomas said. “It’s tragic to see a young man lose his life over something that could have been prevented. When you mix alcohol, marijuana, and large groups of young people, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
The sheriff called for state legislation to regulate private event venues, noting that similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Alabama. “We need the legislature to step in because these things are happening all over the state,” he said.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact Pike County Sheriff’s Office detectives at 334-566-4347.