The wife of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group who was tragically killed outside a hotel in Midtown Manhattan, has revealed that her husband had been threatened prior to the incident.
Paulette Thompson shared with NBC News that the New York Police Department informed her that the attack on her husband was premeditated. “Yes, there had been some threats,” she explained, adding that she was unsure about the specifics. “I just know that he mentioned some people had been threatening him.”
Despite these threats, Paulette noted that Brian did not change his travel plans. “I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now,” she said, expressing her shock while trying to comfort her children.
According to an NYPD spokesperson, police received a call around 6:40 a.m. regarding a shooting outside the New York Hilton Midtown, where a 50-year-old man was shot in the chest. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. UnitedHealth confirmed that Thompson was the victim.
The police are still searching for the shooter, who reportedly escaped on an electric Citibike.
Brian Thompson had been with UnitedHealth Group since 2004. The company released a statement expressing their sadness over his passing, saying, “We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson. He was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
