In an act of violence that has sent ripples through the corporate world, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in what has been called a "premeditated, preplanned targeted attack" according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch in a statement obtained by NBC News. The executive, aged 50, was assassinated just prior to his company's annual investor meeting, scheduled at the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan earlier today.

The New York Police Department shared that the shooter, waiting for several minutes, targeted Thompson as he walked towards the conference venue. He was struck "at least once in the back and at least once in the right calf" detailed Commissioner Tisch, emphasizing the calculated nature of the assault, as reported by FOX6Now. While many individuals walked by him that morning, the suspect chose his moment to attack Thompson, before swiftly fleeing the scene, his identity obscured by a mask and a, distinctive gray backpack in tow.

The pursuit for the gunman is still in full force, with an image of the suspect having been released by the police. This individual is believed to be a white male who managed to escape the crime scene by means of an electric bike, heading towards Central Park as described in the details shared by Reuters. At present, the authorities have yet to determine a motive for this cold-blooded murder, reiterating however that this "does not appear to be a random act of violence".

This horrific incident occurred not only on the cusp of a key corporate gathering but also hours before the city's illustrious Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, a stone's throw away, which was to go ahead under heightened security measures. Despite being a time for festive preparations, the city found itself grappling with the shock of a high-profile killing, as stated by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.