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Search underway after 'targeted' killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO

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Manhattan Shooting
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The CEO of UnitedHealthcare, Brian Thompson, was killed Wednesday in what is being described as a targeted attack.

Brian Thompson
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson.

The incident happened just before 7 a.m. near a hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators learned the gunman arrived at the area about five minutes before the victim.

Thompson, who resides in Minnesota, was walking toward the Hilton for a meeting with investors when the gunman came up from behind and began firing shots, according to Kenny.

After Thompson was on the ground, clearly wounded, the shooter fled the scene, hopped onto an e-bike and rode into Central Park, Kenny said. He has still not been captured. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Thompson, meanwhile, was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead a short time later.

UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States. The Associated Press reports that investors gathered for the conference were told it would be ending early in light of Wednesday's events.

The shooting happened at a busy time in New York. On Wednesday night, thousands of people will gather for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Officials said NYPD will be out in full force to make sure people feel safe.