A day before the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, New York City officials announced that crime had fallen by nearly 6 percent in November.
Drops in murder, robbery, and burglary offenses were behind the 5.7 percent decline, according to a New York City Police Department briefing Tuesday.
As part of the announcement, the NYPD said shootings were down by 61 incidents at the same time in 2023 (841 against 902), with 37 fewer victims.
On Wednesday morning, Thompson was shot in broad daylight outside a midtown Manhattan hotel, where he was attending United Health Group’s annual investor conference. The suspect, who was wearing a mask at the time, allegedly fired at Thompson and then fled the scene.
“It appears the suspect was lying in wait for several minutes and as the victim was walking to the conference hotel, the suspect approached from behind and fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once in the back, and at least once in the right calf,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference Wednesday.
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The newly-appointed commissioner had only Tuesday praised the work of her new department in its efforts to drive down crime.
“Fear has no place in New York City—it is our mission, not only to keep New Yorkers safe, but to make them feel safe, and to improve their quality of life,” Tisch said in a press release.
“This crime reduction directly reflects the relentless effort and dedication of our hardworking women and men in uniform, and I look forward to further successes across all crime categories.”
Cops have been focused on cutting crime in the city’s subway system, as well as tackling gang-related offenses and confiscating illegal firearms. Over 5,800 firearms have been taken off the city’s streets so far this year.
On the subway, riders are enjoying their safest November and year-to-date figures in 14 years, the NYPD said.
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While the city touted a small drop in homicides this year (28 to 30), Thompson’s death added to the yearly total.
The 50-year-old CEO was rushed to a nearby hospital just after 6:45 a.m. ET, but died shortly after. NYPD later released further images of the masked suspect.
Thompson had worked for United Health Group for 20 years and became CEO of the benefits arm of the company in 2021.
In a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, the company said it was deeply saddened by Thompson’s death.
“Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the statement read. “We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
