The wife of Brian Thompson, the slain CEO of UnitedHealthcare, revealed that her husband had been receiving threats prior to his tragic death in Manhattan.

Paulette Thompson, 51, spoke publicly for the first time since the shooting, sharing that while she didn’t know the details, she was aware that her husband had mentioned being threatened by some individuals.

“I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him before his trip to New York,” Paulette explained.

She expressed that she was still processing the devastating news and focusing on consoling their two children.

Details of the Attack

Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the calf and chest on Wednesday morning by a masked gunman who seemed to be waiting for him outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

Surveillance footage captured the moment the shooter approached Thompson from several feet away and opened fire, causing the CEO to collapse.

The gunman fired multiple shots, even encountering a jam in his firearm, but quickly cleared the obstruction and continued shooting.

Thompson was rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital in critical condition, but he was later pronounced dead.

The authorities are investigating the incident, and though no arrests have been made, the police believe it was a “targeted attack.”

Investigators are working to determine the shooter’s identity, with some believing he was an experienced marksman, based on his calm and efficient handling of the situation.

Mysterious Evidence and Investigations

The police discovered shell casings near the crime scene with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” inscribed on them.

Authorities are puzzled by the cryptic messages and are exploring whether they might offer clues about the motive behind the killing.

In addition, Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for any information related to the case.

The gunman managed to flee the scene on foot before making an escape on an electric bike, heading towards Central Park.

Surveillance footage also shows the shooter inside a nearby Starbucks before the attack, purchasing two energy bars and a bottle of water.

Police have found the water bottle and a phone near the scene, which they hope will provide further evidence and lead to the gunman’s identification.

A Possible Connection to UnitedHealthcare?

Though the motive remains unclear, investigators are considering the possibility of a grudge against UnitedHealthcare as a potential factor.

Authorities are examining Thompson’s personal and professional life, including his social media and interviews with colleagues.

It is also noted that Thompson had been scheduled to speak at an investor meeting on the morning of his death, where he was expected to discuss UnitedHealthcare’s successful financial outlook for 2025.

Thompson had been CEO since 2021 and was reportedly making around $10 million a year.

Before this role, he had run the Medicare division within UnitedHealthcare.

His high-profile position, along with the company’s controversial actions in the healthcare industry, has sparked speculation about whether the shooting might be linked to a broader campaign against the insurance giant.

The Aftermath

In the wake of the attack, the investor meeting was abruptly halted when news of the shooting spread.

UnitedHealthcare’s parent company CEO, Andrew Witty, informed the attendees of the grave situation, leading to the closure of the event.

Hilton Hotel staff were also shaken by the public shooting, describing the event as a traumatic and violent incident that unfolded right on their doorstep.

UnitedHealthcare, as the largest health insurer in the U.S., has been the target of protests by activists accusing the company of systemic denial of care.

The company has also faced significant financial and legal challenges, including a cyber-attack earlier this year and investigations into antitrust violations.

A Family in Mourning

Paulette Thompson expressed her devastation over the loss of her husband, describing him as a loving, generous, and talented man who lived life to the fullest.

She also highlighted his role as a dedicated father to their two sons.

“We are shattered to hear about the senseless killing of our beloved Brian,” she said in a statement.

“Brian was an incredibly loving father to our two sons and will be greatly missed.”

As the family mourns this tragic loss, they have requested privacy during this difficult time.

The community remains in shock, and the investigation into Brian Thompson’s death continues.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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