A leaked internal video has surfaced showing UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty advising employees to refrain from speaking to the media following the tragic assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown. The footage, shared by journalist Ken Klippenstein, captures Witty expressing his dismay over the misinformation and offensive coverage surrounding Thompson’s murder.
Witty urged employees not to engage with the media and to direct any inquiries to the company’s media organization. He assured workers of their safety and discussed the enhanced security measures implemented since the incident. Witty also paid tribute to Thompson, describing him as an extraordinary individual who made a significant impact within and beyond the organization.
Thompson was fatally shot outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown, where he was attending a conference. The surveillance footage captured the assailant shooting Thompson in the back before firing another shot as he fell to the ground. The NYPD is investigating a possible message left on the bullet shell casings, with words like “deny,” “depose,” and “defend” reportedly scratched into the rounds.
The manhunt for the killer is ongoing, with authorities believing the gunman has fled the area. Detectives recovered a backpack in Central Park believed to belong to the assassin. Witty emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Thompson’s family, ensuring employee safety, and collaborating with law enforcement to bring the perpetrator to justice.
As the investigation continues, UnitedHealth Group employees are advised to prioritize the well-being of Thompson’s family and respect their privacy during this difficult time. The company remains dedicated to providing healthcare services to those in need and upholding its responsibilities to its stakeholders.