The CEO of UnitedHealth's insurance division, Brian Thompson, was shot and killed on Wednesday in New York City in what police believe was a "targeted" hit.
Thompson was shot outside the Hilton on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan at approximately 6:45 a.m. local time, Reuters reported.
The company's annual investor conference, which was canceled following the shooting, was scheduled to take place at the hotel on Wednesday. Thompson was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.
According to the New York Police Department, the masked suspect initially fled the scene on foot and then rode a bike into Central Park. He was seen with a gray backpack, and a silencer appeared to have been utilized in the shooting, CNN reported.
"This does not appear to be a random act of violence," New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a press conference. "Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack."
Tisch also called the shooting "brazen."
Video of the scene showed the gunman arrive at the Hilton five minutes before Thompson and ignore multiple passers-by. When Thompson showed up, he shot him in the back.
"Based on the evidence we have so far, it does appear that the victim was specifically targeted, but at this point, we do not know why," said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
UnitedHealth Group, the largest provider of health insurance in the United States, said it is working with the NYPD "during this difficult time."
The police department is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect.
