The New York Police Department has released the first images of the gunman who shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
RadarOnline.com can reveal that the top health official was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel early Wednesday morning in what police described as a “brazen, targeted” attack.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch says that Thompson, 50, was shot several times by a masked gunman who was waiting outside the Midtown hotel at 6:46 AM on Wednesday.
She also said, “Many people walked by the suspect, but he seemed to be waiting for his target.”
Reports say Thompson was hit in the torso, and first responders gave him CPR at the scene.
He was taken to Roosevelt Hospital in very bad shape and was pronounced dead at 7:12 AM.
The gunman was wearing a grey backpack, a black hoodie and black trousers, as seen in the photos released by the NYPD.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny says that after the horrible attack, the gunman allegedly got on an electric Citi Bike and rode off into Central Park.
The killer can be seen walking up behind Thompson and shooting him in the back in the scary videos going around social media.
After that, the CEO tripped and fell on the sidewalk as he tried to crawl away while the gunman kept firing.
At the time of his death, Thompson was reportedly walking alone to an investor event for United Health that began at 8 AM.
Andrew Witty, CEO of United Health, called off the rest of the conference an hour into it, saying that a coworker had a “very serious medical situation.”
Witty said, “I am afraid that some of you may know that we are dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members. Because of this, I am afraid we will have to end the event today, which I am sorry about.” I am sure you get it.
“We are now going to step away from the broadcast.” We will let you know about another way we can keep you informed. Even though I am sorry to end things, I hope you will understand.
United Health care said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the death of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, CEO of United Health care.”
He was also called a “highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him” by the company.
The man’s wife, Paulette Thompson, and two sons will miss him.
As Thompson’s wife told NBC News, “there had been some threats” before her husband was killed.
There is no known reason for the brutal attack at this time.
Due to a $10,000 reward for information, the NYPD and Crime Stoppers are on the hunt for the suspect.