Brian Thompson was officially pronounced dead later at Mt. Sinai Hospital. The investor conference was abruptly cancelled by the company’s chief executive. Credit: Shutterstock / onemoreimage

The CEO of US healthcare insurance firm UnitedHealthcare Group has been shot dead by a masked gunman outside of the company’s investor conference in what police have confirmed to be a targeted attack.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed to multiple outlets that the CEO of the company, Brian Thompson, 50, died when a masked man, who had been waiting for Thompson, opened fire on Thompson from a distance striking him in the chest before escaping on a bike.

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Brian Thompson was officially pronounced dead later at Mt. Sinai Hospital. The investor conference was abruptly cancelled by the company’s chief executive Andrew Witty as the police closed off the Hilton Hotel venue.

A subsidiary of US healthcare giant UnitedHealth, UnitedHealthcare primarily covers matters of health insurance. No suspect has as of yet been arrested and no motive has been uncovered. However, the subject of health insurance in the US has been a controversial topic, with millions of Americans currently unable to cover their own healthcare costs.

Taking to the social media platform Xshortly after the shooting, US Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar said: “This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence. My thoughts are with Brian Thompson’s family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota.”

Echoing the same sentiment, New York City council member, Keith Powers added: “Horrific. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and employees. We are gathering more information. Early reports indicate it that was a targeted attack — we’re reaching out to the NYPD to get more information.”

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The attack comes  after the company announced that it had expanded its Individual & Family Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans to 30 extra states.

Research by US thinktank KFF estimates that the average annual health insurance premium in 2023 are $8,435 for single coverage and $23,968 for family coverage. These average premiums each increased 7% in 2023. The average family premium has increased 22% since 2018 and 47% since 2013.