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Police in New York are hunting a gunman who shot dead a healthcare executive outside a hotel in what was a “brazen targeted attack”.

Brian Thompson, who had been the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare since April 2021, was killed outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

The gunman, who was wearing a face mask, was lying in wait for about five minutes before he approached the 50-year-old victim from behind.

Mr Thompson had been in his role for three years. Pic: UnitedHealthcare/AP
Image:
Mr Thompson had been in his role for three years. Pic: UnitedHealthcare/AP

He opened fire several times, shooting him in the back and leg. He then walks towards Mr Thompson and continues to shoot.

Police said the weapon jammed during the attack, which happened at around 6.45am local time on Wednesday. But the shooter cleared the jam and started firing again.

The suspect then fled on foot before getting on a GPS-tracked e-bike and was last seen in Central Park.

Mr Thompson, who lived in Minnesota, was taken to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.

Police are still searching for the suspect and are offering a $10,000 (£7,866) reward for information. Officers also said they did not yet have a motive for the shooting.

Photos taken from CCTV footage shows a man wearing a grey backpack riding a bicycle, and another photo of the individual appearing to be pointing a gun.

An image of the individual sought in connection to the investigation of the shooting death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth.
Pic: NYPD/Reuters
Image:
An image of the individual sought in connection to the investigation of the shooting of Brian Thompson. Pic: NYPD/Reuters

An image of the individual sought in connection to the investigation of the shooting death of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth.
Pic: NYPD/Reuters
Image:
Pic: NYPD/Reuters

The suspect was described as a light-skinned male, wearing a light brown or cream coloured jacket, a black face mask, black and white trainers and distinctive grey rucksack.

Police said there was another person standing next to Mr Thompson when he was attacked outside the hotel, and are in the process of identifying them.

New York City’s police commissioner Jessica Tisch said the shooting was a “brazen, targeted attack”.

“This does not appear to be a random act of violence. Every indication is that this was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack,” she said.

Who was Brian Thompson?


James Sillars, business reporter

James Sillars

Business and economics reporter

@SkyNewsBiz

Brian Thompson was the boss of UnitedHealth’s insurance division.

He had been at the company, in various roles, for 20 years and had served in his current job since 2021.

Mr Thompson worked under group chief executive Sir Andrew Witty, the experienced British executive best known in the UK for his tenure in charge at pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline in the early 2000s.

UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare health insurance plans in the United States – policies that holders generally find cause to complain about industry-wide.

Medicare plans cover people aged 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

America’s healthcare insurance costs rank as the most expensive in the world.

The firm also manages health insurance for companies.

Mr Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, said that he had been receiving threats.

“There had been some threats,” she said in a phone call to Sky’s US partner network, NBC News. “Basically, I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now. I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children,” she added.

Police officers stand near the scene where the CEO of United Healthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Pic: Reuters

Police officers stand near the scene where the CEO of United Healthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Police officers stand near the scene where the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan. Pic: Reuters

The attack happened as the company was scheduled to have its annual meeting with investors on Wednesday morning in the Hilton. Mr Thompson had arrived in New York on Monday to attend the meeting and was staying in a hotel opposite the Hilton.

It is understood Mr Thompson was in charge of organising the conference and was due to speak at the meeting.

Bullets lie on the sidewalk at the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot.
Pic: AP
Image:
Bullets lie on the footpath of the scene outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Pic: AP

A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene where the CEO of UnitedHealthcare Brian Thompson was  shot and killed in Midtown Manhattan
Image:
A member of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit takes a picture of a shell casing found at the scene. Pic: Reuters

“We’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members, and as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today,” UnitedHealth’s chief executive Sir Andrew Witty said.

The suspect was described as using a firearm with a silencer, CNBC reported, citing a person familiar with the incident.

UnitedHealthcare is the insurance arm of the healthcare giant UnitedHealth Group.

The scene after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York. Pic: AP
Image:
The scene after Brian Thompson was fatally shot in New York. Pic: AP

Police officers work near the scene where the CEO of United Healthcare Brian Thompson was reportedly shot and killed.
Pic: Reuters
Image:
Pic: Reuters

Members of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit work near evidence markers placed where shell casings were found at the scene.
Pic Reuters
Image:
Members of the NYPD Crime Scene Unit work near evidence markers placed where shell casings were found. Pic Reuters

In a statement, it said: “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.

“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”

There have been no arrests, and the investigation is active and ongoing.

The scene of the shooting is a short walk from tourist sites such as the Museum of Modern Art and Rockefeller Centre. The popular Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting is set to take place Wednesday evening.

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Trump shares AI video of Gaza vision featuring golden statues, bearded belly dancers and Netanyahu on a sunbed

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Trump shares AI video of Gaza vision featuring golden statues, bearded belly dancers and Netanyahu on a sunbed

Donald Trump has shared a bizarre AI-generated video on his Truth Social platform showcasing what appears to be a vision of Gaza under his proposed plan.

The footage, which the 78-year-old shared without comment, shows the war-ravaged territory before a caption appears: “Gaza 2025… What’s Next?”

It then goes on to show the area transformed into a Middle Eastern paradise with exotic beaches, Dubai-style skyscrapers, luxury yachts and people partying.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump

It includes a “Trump Gaza” tower and a gigantic, golden statue of the US president – with miniature versions on sale in a souvenir gift shop.

A child is also shown walking in a street, holding a huge, golden balloon of the president’s head.

The video also features the world leader dancing with a scantily clad belly dancer in a bar – and sunbathing and sipping cocktails by a hotel resort pool with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Elon Musk appears in the footage several times – sitting on a beach eating humous with flatbreads as bearded belly dancers perform on the sand.

The billionaire boss of X, Tesla and SpaceX – who also leads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which has been tasked with cutting government spending – is also shown throwing dollar bills in the air for people.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


A song written for the video also plays in the background.

The lyrics go: “Donald’s coming to set you free, bringing the light for all to see, no more tunnels, no more fear: Trump Gaza’s finally here.

“Trump Gaza’s shining bright, golden future, a brand new life.

“Feast and dance the deal is done, Trump Gaza number one.”

Sky News has established the video was first shared online in early February by accounts with no apparent connection to the White House.

Read more from Sky News:
Large bruise on Trump’s hand prompts speculation over health
What you need to know about Trump’s Gaza plan

Mr Trump announced his plan – for when the war between Israel and Hamas ends – earlier this year.

It includes relocating two million Gazans to neighbouring Arab countries and developing the territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East“.

He described Gaza as a “demolition site” where “virtually every building is down”.

Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Donald Trump Truth Social Gaza
Image:
Pic: TruthSocial/@donaldtrump


Laying out his idea of what would happen beyond an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, he proposed: “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too.”

He said America would be “responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site”, before it would “get rid of the destroyed buildings”, and “level it out”.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs,” he added.

The White House described the proposal as “out-of-the-box” and “visionary” – but it was condemned as the effective “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians from Gaza.

Hamas described the proposals as “ridiculous and absurd” in a statement from one of its officials.

Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, which as fellow Arab nations support the Palestinian cause, also rejected Mr Trump’s plan.

Read more:
Analysis: Trump’s Gaza plan is so outrageous it might be something bigger

There was a mixed reaction to the video in the comments section below.

One person wrote: “I don’t think that’s funny or cool. Sorry. Am I missing something??? I hope it’s a joke a bad joke..”

“I hate this. I love our president, but this is horrible,” said another.

One Truth Social user wrote: “Mr President while I appreciate what you do, is not about you. To God be the glory and the honor, for without Him, you couldn’t have accomplished anything. The statue is a symbol of the antichrist, please humble yourself to God. Jesus is king and only Him.”

“You’re doing great Mr President. But don’t let it get to your head. God put you in that position for His Glory, not yours,” said another.

“Can we transform our US cities to look like this 2025 vision first? Our cities are dumps with ugly buildings and homeless people,” wrote one user.

“Everything looks good, just stay away from these guys,” said another, reposting a screengrab of the bearded belly dancers.

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Ukraine appears set to sign a deal that gives the United States access to its mineral supply in exchange for continued military aid.

A Ukrainian government source told Sky News that Kyiv has agreed its terms with Washington.

Mr Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the mineral fund means US taxpayers will “get their money back and then some” for three years of providing weapons against Russia.

Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy to visit US on Friday

The idea of a deal first emerged in September. With concerns swirling Mr Trump would withdraw support if elected, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly suggested it during a meeting at Trump Tower.

The imminent signing of the deal comes amid strained US-Ukrainian relations since Mr Trump’s return to the White House, with the president branding Mr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and excluding Ukraine from negotiations with Russia.

Here we look at Ukraine’s mineral supply – and why the US wants access to it.

Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP
Image:
Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP

Which minerals does Ukraine have?

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, minerals made up 6.1% of Ukraine’s GDP (gross domestic product) and 30% of its exports.

It is home to various ‘critical’ minerals, so called for their use in technology manufacturing, defence systems, and green energy, with examples including copper, nickel, lithium, and titanium.

According to the European Commission, in 2019 Ukraine supplied 7% of global titanium, which is used for building nuclear power plants and planes.

Map of Ukraine minerals
Image:
Source: Institute for the Study of War/Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine

Similarly, it is believed to have more lithium (used to make batteries) than any other European country – a suspected 500,000 tonnes.

Before Russia’s invasion, it was also responsible for a fifth of global graphite, which is a key material for nuclear power stations and electric vehicle batteries.

Other raw materials in good supply include coal, iron ore, and manganese.

A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters
Image:
A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters

Read more
Fact-checking Trump on Zelenskyy
How China is using its minerals as leverage

Pre-war figures are the most reliable, as up to 40% of Ukrainian metallic minerals are now in areas occupied by Russia – namely the Donbas and neighbouring eastern regions.

For example, two of Ukraine’s lithium deposits are under Russian control – Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk.

A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters

Rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of 17 exotic minerals used to make everything from smartphones and electronic devices, to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and weapons systems.

Examples include europium, a material for control rods at nuclear power plants, and gadolinium, used to make the magnets inside mobile phones – as well as holmium, ytterbium, and dysprosium.

They are not strictly rare – but their extraction and storage are highly energy-intensive.

With the details of war-torn Ukraine’s mineral supplies uncertain – it is not clear which REEs are present there and how much there are of them.

But in a pre-war assessment of 109 critical mineral deposits across the country by the Kyiv School of Economics, three were reported to contain REEs.

Ukrainian mineral data, seen by Reuters, has also cited cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, and lanthanum.

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Why does Trump want them?

Donald Trump has not been clear about which minerals he wants from Ukraine, although he referred to the agreement as a “deal on rare earths” on Tuesday.

And as Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway says, there are far greater supplies of lithium, graphite, and titanium elsewhere, including in the US.

But what is far more certain is the role China has to play in Mr Trump’s demands.

As the biggest manufacturer in the world, China processes more REEs than any other country – with its deposits representing between 50% and 75% of global supply, according to estimates.

As a result, both the US and Europe are trying to reduce their dependency on Beijing.

A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water
Image:
A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water

In December as Mr Trump prepared to return to office, China banned the export of some REEs to the US. Under Joe Biden’s administration, it had already restricted its US mineral exports.

In response on 1 February, the Trump administration announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports.

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Why did China restrict mineral exports last year?

Beyond the trade war with China, REEs and critical minerals are fundamental to the global green energy transition.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, to meet net-zero targets by 2030, we will need three times as much copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

This will mean a further 50 lithium, 60 nickel, and 17 cobalt mines globally.

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What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Published

on

By

What minerals does Ukraine have – and why does Donald Trump want them?

Ukraine appears set to sign a deal that gives the United States access to its mineral supply in exchange for continued military aid.

A Ukrainian government source told Sky News that Kyiv has agreed its terms with Washington.

Mr Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the mineral fund means US taxpayers will “get their money back and then some” for three years of providing weapons against Russia.

Ukraine latest: Zelenskyy to visit US on Friday

The idea of a deal first emerged in September. With concerns swirling Mr Trump would withdraw support if elected, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly suggested it during a meeting at Trump Tower.

The imminent signing of the deal comes amid strained US-Ukrainian relations since Mr Trump’s return to the White House, with the president branding Mr Zelenskyy a “dictator” and excluding Ukraine from negotiations with Russia.

Here we look at Ukraine’s mineral supply – and why the US wants access to it.

Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP
Image:
Donald Trump meets Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in September 2024. Pic: AP

Which minerals does Ukraine have?

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, minerals made up 6.1% of Ukraine’s GDP (gross domestic product) and 30% of its exports.

It is home to various ‘critical’ minerals, so called for their use in technology manufacturing, defence systems, and green energy, with examples including copper, nickel, lithium, and titanium.

According to the European Commission, in 2019 Ukraine supplied 7% of global titanium, which is used for building nuclear power plants and planes.

Map of Ukraine minerals

Similarly, it is believed to have more lithium (used to make batteries) than any other European country – a suspected 500,000 tonnes.

Before Russia’s invasion, it was also responsible for a fifth of global graphite, which is a key material for nuclear power stations and electric vehicle batteries.

Other raw materials in good supply include coal, iron ore, and manganese.

A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters
Image:
A titanium plant in Armyansk, Crimea. File pic: Reuters

Read more
Fact-checking Trump on Zelenskyy
How China is using its minerals as leverage

Pre-war figures are the most reliable, as up to 40% of Ukrainian metallic minerals are now in areas occupied by Russia – namely the Donbas and neighbouring eastern regions.

For example, two of Ukraine’s lithium deposits are under Russian control – Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk.

A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A graphite pit in Zavallia, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters

Rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of 17 exotic minerals used to make everything from smartphones and electronic devices, to electric vehicles, wind turbines, and weapons systems.

Examples include europium, a material for control rods at nuclear power plants, and gadolinium, used to make the magnets inside mobile phones – as well as holmium, ytterbium, and dysprosium.

They are not strictly rare – but their extraction and storage are highly energy-intensive.

With the details of war-torn Ukraine’s mineral supplies uncertain – it is not clear which REEs are present there and how much there are of them.

But in a pre-war assessment of 109 critical mineral deposits across the country by the Kyiv School of Economics, three were reported to contain REEs.

Ukrainian mineral data, seen by Reuters, has also cited cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, and lanthanum.

👉 Follow Trump 100 on your podcast app 👈

Why does Trump want them?

Donald Trump has not been clear about which minerals he wants from Ukraine, although he referred to the agreement as a “deal on rare earths” on Tuesday.

And as Sky’s economics and data editor Ed Conway says, there are far greater supplies of lithium, graphite, and titanium elsewhere, including in the US.

But what is far more certain is the role China has to play in Mr Trump’s demands.

As the biggest manufacturer in the world, China processes more REEs than any other country – with its deposits representing between 50% and 75% of global supply, according to estimates.

As a result, both the US and Europe are trying to reduce their dependency on Beijing.

A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water
Image:
A chinese rare earth smelting plant spews polluted water

In December as Mr Trump prepared to return to office, China banned the export of some REEs to the US. Under Joe Biden’s administration, it had already restricted its US mineral exports.

In response on 1 February, the Trump administration announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Why did China restrict mineral exports last year?

Beyond the trade war with China, REEs and critical minerals are fundamental to the global green energy transition.

According to the World Meteorological Organisation, to meet net-zero targets by 2030, we will need three times as much copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

This will mean a further 50 lithium, 60 nickel, and 17 cobalt mines globally.

Continue Reading

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