The head of a US insurance company was shot dead on Wednesday morning outside a prominent hotel in New York City, local media reported, citing police sources.
Brian Thompson, chief executive of UnitedHealth's insurance business, was shot on the pavement by the New York Hilton Midtown, where the company was hosting an investor day, Bloomberg reported. Mr Thompson was scheduled to speak at the meeting later on Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson," the UnitedHealth Group said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it did not appear to be a random attack, and that police were reviewing evidence and video from the scene.
"This was not what appears to be a just random act of violence. It seems to be clearly targeted by an individual and we will apprehend that individual,” he said.
The company cancelled the remainder of its investor event in Manhattan that had just started.
“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,” UnitedHealth chief executive Andrew Witty said.
The New York Post first reported the incident.
The New York Police Department deputy commissioner's office said a man was taken to Mount Sinai West Hospital less than a mile away in critical condition and was later pronounced dead, the NYPD said.
Investigators told CNN that the gunman was waiting in the area for some time before Mr Thompson's arrival.
There were no immediate arrests, and the investigation is active and continuing. The identification of the victim is pending proper family notification, the department said.
Mr Thompson entered his top role in April 2021 after starting his career at the company in 2004, working in several departments, according to the company's website.
"Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him," UnitedHealth Group said. He went by the nickname “BT” and regularly presented at investor events and on earnings calls.
The insurance unit he oversaw is expected to bring in $280 billion in revenue this year, and is the country’s largest health insurer. UnitedHealthcare is a unit of UnitedHealth Group.
A representative for the New York Hilton Midtown said “we are deeply saddened by this morning’s events in the area and our thoughts are with all affected by the tragedy".
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
