UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed in Targeted Attack in NYC, Cryptic Message Left on Bullet Shells

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot outside a hotel in New York City, where he was due to attend an investor conference on Wednesday morning. 

The Details: The 50-year-old CEO was killed by a masked shooter in what police described as a "premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack." Police are still investigating the murder and continue to analyze evidence left at the scene, which includes three shell casings with the words "deny," "defend," and "depose" on them, along with a cellphone and other items.

The Crime: The shooting incident was captured by surveillance camera, showing the moment the shooter approached Thompson from behind and fired multiple shots. The assailant then fled on an e-bike into Central Park. The suspect has not been named and as of Thursday morning is still at large.

For Context: In 2023, the Department of Justice launched a probe into Thompson for insider trading and monopoly tactics allegations. UnitedHealthcare is the country's largest private health insurer.

How the Media Covered It: The story has been reported on widely. Across the spectrum, outlets have covered the words left on the gun shells by the gunman. Some commentators on X have highlighted that the words resemble the title of the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend, which is themed around how insurance companies increase profits by avoiding paying claims. An editor wrote this summary with the help of AllSides AI.