UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty addressed employees on Friday in the wake of the tragic death of former CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot earlier in the week while attending an investor conference in New York City.
Thompson, 50, was killed Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. According to reports, the assailant—a masked individual armed with a silencer—waited overnight for Thompson’s arrival and shot him multiple times in the chest before fleeing the scene on an e-bike. The shocking incident has prompted a city-wide manhunt for the perpetrator, dubbed by media outlets as the “smiling assassin.”
United Health CEO Andrew Witty gave an address to the company today, leaked to Ken Klippenstein, telling employees “we guard against… unnecessary care.” pic.twitter.com/EdAdBIOeEw
— unusual_whales (@unusual_whales) December 7, 2024
In a leaked video obtained by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein, Witty addressed the company’s workforce, expressing discontent with how the media has handled the tragedy.
“You’ve seen a lot of media interest in this situation, with a huge amount of misinformation and, frankly, offensive communication,” Witty said. He described the press coverage as “aggressive, inappropriate, and disrespectful,” emphasizing that many reports included details the company did not recognize.
Witty strongly advised employees to refrain from engaging with reporters.
“My strong advice and request to everybody is just don’t engage with the media,” he said. “If you’re approached, I would recommend not responding, and, if necessary, simply refer them to our own media organization.”
During his address, Witty reassured employees of the company’s commitment to moving forward despite the tragic loss of their colleague.
However, his remarks about guarding against “unnecessary care” have drawn attention online, raising questions about the company’s priorities in the wake of Thompson’s death.
A snippet of the leaked video shared on social media showed Witty telling employees, “We guard against… unnecessary care,” a comment that some observers criticized as being tone-deaf under the circumstances.
Meanwhile, law enforcement continues its search for Thompson’s killer. The New York Police Department has labeled the attack as premeditated, citing the assailant’s calm demeanor and calculated execution. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts have been crucial in piecing together the events, but the shooter remains at large.
The killing of such a prominent figure has sent shockwaves through the business community and raised concerns about security at high-profile events.
As UnitedHealth Group grapples with the fallout from Thompson’s death, Witty’s address signals an attempt to rally the organization and maintain focus during a tumultuous time. The company has not released additional details about the incident or Thompson’s role in the business in the days leading up to his death.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward as the investigation continues.
