UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was on Wednesday shot dead by a gunman, prompting the New York police to launch a manhunt for the suspect.

“These are images of the individual sought in connection to this investigation. If anyone has information as to the identity or location of this individual please contact @NYPDTips at 1(800)577-TIPS,” said a statement on X by the New York Police Department.

New York City Police commissioner Jessica Tisch, in a press conference, said the deceased, who is the owner of one of the largest insurance providers in the country, was killed by a masked gunman around 6:45 a.m. near the Hilton hotel in Manhattan. 

Describing the murder as a “brazen, targeted attack,” Mr Tisch said the 50-year-old of Maple Grove, Minn, was about to speak at the company’s annual conference for analysts and investors at the hotel on Wednesday when his assailant, who had been waiting for him outside the premises, shot him at his back and leg.

The police stated that the killing “does not appear to be a random act of violence.”

The UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, said Mr Thompson, named CEO for UnitedHealthcare in April 2021, was a “highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him.”

According to STAT News, the conference was closed abruptly following the tragic news, with the UnitedHealth CEO, Andrew Witty, stating the company is working with police authorities on the shooting.