Health Insurance CEO Shot Dead On The Street

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a health insurance firm has been shot dead in the open streets, 20 feet away from his attacker.

Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare was shot dead Wednesday morning around 6:45 a.m. on the street near the Hilton hotel in Midtown .in New York City on Wednesday morning.

The New York Post reported that a masked man fired at Thompson and then fled the scene. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A CNN report added that the now late health insurance CEO was walking toward the Hilton dressed in a suit and tie when he was fired upon by a gunman 20 feet away, CNN reported.

Brian Thompson: Billed to speak at an investor presentation later in the day before the tragic incident

The alleged gunman fled on foot to a back alley and then hopped on a bicycle, and the Police has said they had reason to believe the shooting was targeted.

“I’m afraid that some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologise for,” UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said as he hastily ended an already scheduled event just as it was set to kick off.

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“I’m sure you understand. We’re going to go offline now from the broadcast. We’ll share with you an alternative mechanism to update you. I apologize for bringing things to a close, but I hope you’ll understand.”

Newsweek quotes the New York Police Department as saying it was  not in a position to confirm the victim’s identity pending next of kin notification.

“Upon arrival, officers observed a 50-year-old male unconscious, unresponsive and with a gunshot wound to the chest,” police said.

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EMS responded and transported Thompson to Mt. Sinai Hospital. He was in critical condition and then was declared dead at the hospital.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was seen wearing a cream-colored jacket, black face mask and black and white sneakers. Officials also say he was carrying a gray backpack.

Thompson was expected to speak at an investor presentation at the Hilton later in the day Wednesday, a report accessed by The Eagle added.