UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson shot dead outside New York Hilton, photo released of masked gunman at large [Video]

NEW YORK — Brian Thompson, the CEO of major insurance group UnitedHealthcare, was shot to death at point-blank range in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday morning before he was set to attend an investor conference, according to police.

The masked gunman, who remains on the loose, carried out a “brazen, targeted attack” that was “premeditated,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. But the motive remains unknown, police said.

The shooter appeared to be lying in wait at the hotel where he shot Thompson around 6:40 a.m., police said.

Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO, pointed his gun at him and fired. A witness fled as Thompson stumbled and fell to the ground. The gunman then walked closer to Thompson, firing more times before fleeing.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said in a …