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Dec. 4 (UPI) -- UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed by a masked gunman in midtown Manhattan Wednesday, according to multiple reports. CNN, ABC and CNBC reported the attacker used a silenced firearm in what is believed to be a targeted attack as Thompson attended a New York City investors conference.
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An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that a man believed to be the 50-year-old UnitedHeath Group CEO was shot in front of 1335 Avenue of the Americas at 6:46 a.m. in midtown Manhattan but did not share the identity of the man.
According to a police report that man was unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot chest wound upon arrival at Mount Sinai West Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Citing police sources, ABC News said the shooting took place near a Hilton Hotel at West 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. The ski-masked assailant escaped down an alley near West 55th Street and was still at large Wednesday morning.
The suspect was described as about 6'1" tall and skinny and was dressed in all black according to police.
CNBC, citing a person familiar, reported the attacker was a White male wearing a black hoodie who used a gun with a silencer in the fatal attack.
Investigators told CNN the masked gunman waited in sub-freezing temperatures for about 10 minutes for Thompson as he walked toward the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan's midtown before shooting him from about 20 feet away, firing multiple times.
The man used a bicycle to aid his getaway and police believe he fled into Central Park.
"We are deeply saddened by this morning's events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy. Additional questions should be directed to the New York Police Department," A New York Hilton Midtown spokesperson told CNN.
Thompson became CEO at UnitedHealth Group in 2021. The company is ranked fifth in the Fortune 500.
UnitedHealth Group canceled the investor day conference.
"I'm afraid that we -- some of you may know we're dealing with very serious medical situation with one of our team members," a UnitedHealth Group staff member said, according to a transcript cited by CNBC. "And as a result, I'm afraid we're going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I'm sure you'll understand."
