While the harrowing case unfolds, the family and wife of Brian Thompson have assisted the police in locating the attacker, which claimed the life of the United Healthcare CEO. Officials have locked down Midtown Manhattan as the investigation is ongoing.
On November 4, 2024, Brian Thompson walked toward Hilton Midtown, where the healthcare company held its annual investor conference. However, things escalated when a masked attacker appeared from behind.
Officials determined that the suspect was waiting for Thompson at the location and began violently using his firearm. Further, medical reports showed one wound in the victim’s chest and another on his right calf.
The emergency assistance arrived after a passerby reported the incident, and Thompson was pronounced deceased at 7:12 a.m. Initially, authorities hadn’t determined the motive of the attack.
As the case received media coverage, Brian Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, provided a public statement about the CEO to NBC News and described the victim as a wonderful person with a big heart.
Additionally, she added, “He will be greatly missed by everybody. Our hearts are broken, and we are completely devastated by this news. He touched so many lives.”
Later, during interrogation, Paulette stated that her husband had been receiving threats daily. She linked the threatening calls to the company’s issues related to customer insurance coverage.
Despite constant concerns from his wife, Thompson decided to travel for work with minimal security. The police have yet to identify the attacker, as he was wearing a hooded jacket and a cap.
Brian Thompson lived with his wife and two children in Minnesota!
Before becoming United Health’s CEO, Thompson graduated from the University of Iowa and was among the institution’s outstanding accounting students.
He joined the insurance company in 2004 and quickly assumed leadership. His colleagues praised his performance, and Thompson helped the company secure sixth place on the Fortune 500 list.
Meanwhile, his wife is a physical therapist with Park Nicollet Health Services and has over 20 years of experience in the field. She mentioned that she loves spending time with her two teen sons and her husband.
Moreover, Paulette mentioned that she loves boating, playing piano, biking, and traveling and often shares pictures with her family. However, she removed her social accounts and company profile after Thompson’s demise.
Thompson’s sons attended a public high school in Plymouth, Minnesota, where they played basketball and lacrosse on the local team.
Additionally, their coach revealed that Thompson and his wife were present around ‘all of the team events’ to support their children. Paulette added that she has been trying to console her grieving sons.
Officials have requested the media to give the family some privacy during the difficult time and respect their decision to remain away from the social sphere.
The New York Police Department has described the incident as a ‘preplanned, devastating attempt.‘ The search continues for the masked attacker, who reportedly fled the scene on a bicycle.
Additional Information
- Sources estimated that Brian Thompson’s net worth was $10 million. His fortune came from company plans, basic salary, and other financial incentives. Before his demise, the family lived in their $1.5 million mansion.
- Police have offered a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides authorities with information identifying the attacker, who is still at large.
