Targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO raises executive protection questions
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot Wednesday morning in what authorities described as a “deliberate and targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel hosting the health insurer’s investor conference.
The New York Times posted video surveillance footage it obtained that shows the gunman approached Thompson from behind as he neared the New York Hilton Midtown around 6:45 a.m. The gunman opened fire, causing Thompson to stumble and turn toward him. According to investigators, the shooter’s pistol jammed during the attack but was quickly cleared before the gunman resumed firing. Thompson collapsed against a wall on the sidewalk as the attacker fled the scene.
In a press conference, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the gunman appeared to have been “waiting for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire. Tisch said that Thompson, 50, was hit at least once in the back and once in the calf. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators were continuing their search — aided by police drones, helicopters and dogs — for the gunman, who was last seen in Manhattan’s Central Park. Surveillance footage released by the police shows an individual wearing a black hooded garment and carrying a backpack, fleeing on what authorities identified as an e-bike.
UnitedHealthcare is the insurance division of UnitedHealth Group, a major healthcare provider based in Minnetonka, Minn. The company reportedly had planned to hold its annual investor meeting in New York City to provide updates on its future direction and projections for the upcoming year, as outlined in a company media advisory. However, the conference was cut short following Thompson’s death.
Healthcare industry often a target for violence
Eric Clay, president of the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), addressed the shooting in a LinkedIn post, stating that healthcare security professionals recognize that many individuals view healthcare settings as a target for their anger.
“Family members who have lost a loved one may feel as though a physician, healthcare facility, or insurer is responsible for that loss,” Clay said. “This, coupled with the fact that today’s CEOs and other executives have higher profiles than ever before, and internet searches – making it far easier to gather information on them – requires a greater focus on personal security.”
Glen Kucera, president of Allied Universal’s Enhanced Protection Services division, told SecurityInfoWatch the healthcare industry has seen an increase in violent crime, not just targeting insurance providers, but also within hospitals themselves.
“In my division, we provide firearms detection with K9 units and armed guards. We focus on executive protection as well as staffing armed personnel at healthcare facilities,” he said. “There has been a noticeable rise in incidents within the healthcare sector, and as a result, our department and deployments have grown significantly over the past 18 months.”
The rise in violent incidents within the healthcare industry can often be traced back to personal frustrations with healthcare decisions, such as claim denials or unsuccessful procedures, Kucera explained. These experiences can trigger strong emotional reactions, leading some individuals to express their anger through violent behavior. The increasing pressure on patients and their families, coupled with the complex nature of healthcare systems, contributes to the growing incidence of emotional and violent crimes in this sector.
David LaRose, a healthcare subject matter expert with GardWorld and a past president of IAHSS, also stressed how healthcare executives face growing risks in an increasingly complex and violent environment. Executives’ challenging decisions on budgets, staffing and care standards can provoke backlash, while their direct engagement with stakeholders increases exposure to threats. Compounding these risks is the heightened prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare compared to other industries, LaRose explained.
“To mitigate these risks, healthcare organizations should conduct regular threat and vulnerability assessments using data-driven tools to identify exposures. Implementing layered security measures, such as access control systems, surveillance and secure office environments, can significantly enhance safety,” he said. “Additionally, training executives to recognize and respond to threats to protect themselves and their teams. The IAHSS can be a great resource utilizing their security guidelines.”
Executive protection in the spotlight
Kucera said that Thompson did not have executive protection assigned to him at the time of the shooting, noting that UnitedHealthcare is not an Allied Universal client.
“If there is validity to reports of alleged threats against [Thompson] as we’re hearing, all factors like these must be taken into account. When sending someone to a large city with a high volume of people, the need for executive protection should be considered,” Kucera said. “While this may be an isolated incident, having an armed presence can serve as a visual deterrent, potentially causing a would-be perpetrator to reconsider committing a violent crime.”
Bernard Scaglione, associate principal for New York City-based Trinity Consultants, told SecurityInfoWatch that in many instances, particularly within healthcare, senior executives may not recognize the value of executive protection in their daily operations. Since healthcare is focused on caring for the sick and underserved, executives in this field often overlook potential security threats.
“However, with the increase in violence within the healthcare industry over the past few years, senior executive should reconsider their stance on protection,” Scaglione said. “Today’s event in New York is a prime example. Today, society feels comfortable acting out violence when they are in personal conflict. So, protection is more important than ever before.”
Scaglione added that many executives see executive protection as a major expense and inconvenience. “In reality when done correctly executive protection is a simple as having a driver with EP skills, having a medical kit in the vehicle for emergencies and ensuring that the security program is able to discover potential disgruntled employees, patients or patient families through hospital staff communication and social media monitoring.”
Bryan Warren, president of WarSec Security and past president of IAHSS said healthcare leaders are navigating a new set of challenges in today’s business and social climate. They must manage hospital operations effectively, address budget constraints and limited resources, all while finding the best path forward in a post-pandemic world.
“On top of all that, they also need to worry about their own personal safety. Threats to healthcare executives are on the rise, coming from upset patients and their family members, disgruntled staff, or even people with more specific motives, which may be the case in today’s apparent targeted act of violence in NYC against UnitedHealthcare’s CEO,” he said.
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Warren further commented that executive protection is crucial because it's not just about bodyguards or bulletproof vests. It involves a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach that combines security expertise and systems to ensure leaders are safe, even when they’re away from their secure offices and familiar environments.
“Think of an [executive protection] program as a flexible but effective shield around the people making tough decisions in healthcare,” he said. “This protection should not limit them, but rather give leaders peace of mind, so they can focus on what really matters — providing the best care possible while keeping their organizations moving forward in these uncertain times.”
