UnitedHealth Chief releases statement to staff in wake of CEO Brian Thompson’s murder

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty spoke to his staff about the recent assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a new email Wednesday, describing the late executive as “one of the good guys.”

Witty, who oversees the conglomerate, mourned the death of his colleague and friend in a new message to employees obtained by Newsweek.

“Brian was one of the good guys. He was definitely one of the smartest guys. I think he was one of the best guys. I’m going to miss him. And I’m incredibly proud of to call him my friend,” Witty wrote.

Thompson, who was named CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division in April 2021, was fatally shot in an attack on Dec. 4 as he entered an investor meeting at a Hilton hotel in midtown Manhattan.

In the wake of the shooting, there has been an outpouring of anger against the insurance industry for denying medical claims, with some going as far as cheering Thompson’s death and claiming the shooter was justified in his actions.

On Monday, the the same day Thompson was laid to rest in his Minnesota hometown, officials arrested a 26-year-old Luigi Mangione as the suspected shooter. He has been charged in both New York and Pennsylvania, where he was found with a McDonald’s. Mangione is currently fighting his extradition to New York.

“Many have said that we are all a little better for knowing Brian. There is no truer statement than that. As we begin to move forward, the best way to honor his life and all that he stood for is to carrying on its legacy – continuing to do right by the people who have entrusted us with their care and those who count on us to care for their loved ones,” Witty said.

“We owe it to Brian to deliver on our promise to make health care work better for everyone in every way,” he wrote. “That job never stops.”

He urged staff to continue to “be there” for his policyholders, including “mothers and fathers who brought one of their children to a clinic this morning”, the “sickest and most vulnerable among us”, as well as patients who need screenings, scans and operations.

“We want to make sure medications are filled, infusions are administered, and people can navigate their therapies for the rarest disease conditions,” Witty wrote, adding, “And we’ll be there when people get out of the hospital — if nothing else to hold their hand when they get back on their feet.”

“These are the things people in this business do every day,” he said. “Behind them all are thousands more – making sure claims are paid, calls processed, questions answered. And, critically, that it’s all done to the highest possible quality standard. And always – always – delivering on the promise we make made to help make health care work better and work better for everyone.”

Witty said he was “super proud” to be part of UnitedHealth Group and to have the opportunity to work with some of the “most dedicated and truly brilliant people in healthcare.” He reminded employees that what they do “really, really matters,” adding that while “these days have been dark, our patients, members, customers are sending us light.”

“The same people who counted on us last week are counting on us today – none of that has changed. Our patients, our customers, partners and clients need us to be at our very best. And then again in Tomorrow. The day after tomorrow. Next week. Next month, Witty wrote.

He concluded by asking his employees to take care of themselves and to be sure that the company would take “every possible precaution” to ensure that employees feel safe and supported.

Update 12/11/24, 6:57 PM ET: This article was updated with additional information.