Minnesota Leaders React to UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting Death

Minnesota politicians have reacted to the "horrifying news" of the fatal shooting of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Wednesday morning in New York City.

Thompson was walking toward the Hilton dressed in a suit and tie when he was fired upon by a gunman 20 feet away, CNN reported. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota," Governor Tim Walz posted to X, formerly known as Twitter. "Minnesota is sending our prayers to Brian's family and the UnitedHealthcare team."

UnitedHealthcare is headquartered in Minnetonka, just outside Minneapolis. Thompson lived in Maple Grove, Minnesota, with his wife, Paulette "Pauley" Thompson, and their two children.

Newsweek reached out to the UnitedHealth Group for comment.

"This is a horrifying and shocking act of violence," posted Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). "My thoughts are with Brian Thompson's family and loved ones and all those working at United Healthcare in Minnesota."

The head of product and design for care network Oak Street Health also shared his thoughts.

"The death of Brian Thompson shows that the discourse in this country can actually translate to violence in real life," Colton Ortolf posted. "We need to be better. Thoughts are with Brian's family, friends, and the entire @UHC family."

"I'm afraid that some of you may know we're dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members and, as a result, I'm afraid we're going to have to bring to a close the event today, which I apologize for," UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty said as he hastily ended the event just as it was set to kick off.

"I'm sure you understand. We're going to go offline now from the broadcast. We'll share with you an alternative mechanism to update you. I apologize for bringing things to a close, but I hope you'll understand."

The UnitedHealthcare headquarters lowered its flags on December 4, 2024, in honor of CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in New York. Minnesota representatives have reacted on social media. Kerem Yücel/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing, the New York Police Department told Newsweek. The NYPD would not confirm the victim's identity pending next-of-kin notification.

"Upon arrival, officers observed a 50-year-old male unconscious, unresponsive and with a gunshot wound to the chest," police said.

Emergency medical services responded and transported Thompson to Mount Sinai Hospital. He was in critical condition and then was declared dead at the hospital.

The suspect was described as a white male. He was seen wearing a cream-colored jacket, a black face mask and black and white sneakers. Officials also say he was carrying a gray backpack.

Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) posted that it was a "horrifying tragedy."

Rep. Dean Phillips, Democrat of Minnesota, said in a statement that he was "horrified by the assassination of my constituent."

"I'm horrified by the assassination of my constituent, Brian Thompson, this morning in NYC and have his family in my prayers," Phillips posted to X.

He later wrote against the "leftists" who are allegedly supporting "killing CEOs in Midtown Manhattan."

"Seems like leftists opposed to killing terrorists in the Middle East support killing CEOs in Midtown Manhattan," Phillips said. "Sick."