United HealthCare CEO Killed in Targeted Attack in New York City

United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson was killed in a targeted attack early Wednesday in Manhattan. That’s according to CNN.

Thompson was shot outside the New York Hilton Midtown at 6:44 a.m. While from Minnesota, he was in town for the company’s annual investor conference. He was named CEO in 2021.

Surveillance footage of the shooting showed that the gunman, shown above in an image released by the NYPD, specifically targeted Thompson and used a gun with a silencer. He fled the scene in an e-bike after the shooting.

Thompson was walking alone by himself at the time of the shooting. The suspect fired three shots.

The brazen attack could lead to questions for high-profile companies and whether CEOs and other C-suite level employees should have more protection.

According to the The New York Times, dozens of chief security officers from Fortune 500 companies convened in a video call on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the shooting.

The discussion focused on best practices and reviews of executive protection programs.

Eric Clay, current president of the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) discussed the shooting in a LinkedIn post:

While we don’t yet have a motive for this senseless act, the fact that it has been called targeted, suggests it could be related to the victims role as CEO of the insurance arm of the largest healthcare company in the world.

As healthcare security professionals, we know that many see healthcare as a target for their anger. Family members who have lost a loved one may feel as though a physician, healthcare facility, or insurer is responsible for that loss.

This, coupled with the fact that todays CEO’s and other executives have higher profiles than ever before, and internet searches make it far easier to gather information on them, requires a greater focus on personal security.

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

Featured

  • An Inside Look From Napco at ISC West

    Get a look into the excitement at ISC West 2025 from Napco. Hear from some of their top-tech executives live from the show floor. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • Upping the Ante

    I am not a betting man in terms of cards, dice, blackjack or that wheel with the black marble racing around the circumference of a spinning wheel, but I would bet on the success of ISC West this year. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.