Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, the largest US health care company, was shot and killed this morning in what police said was a "brazen and targeted attack" outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurance company was holding an investor conference, reports said. AP.

The 50-year-old executive was shot at around 6:45 a.m. while walking alone to the hotel. The attacker seemed to "wait several minutes" before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire, said New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Police have not yet determined a motive.

According to information, 50-year-old Thompson was shot in the chest and immediately after the attack he was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Currently, as reported by the media, a large search is underway for the suspected attacker who is still on the run.

The current governor of the state of Minnesota, Tim Waltz, called the news of the murder terrible.

"This is terrible news and a terrible loss for the Minnesota business and healthcare community. (The state of) Minnesota sends our prayers to Brian's family and the team at UnitedHealthcare," Walz wrote on social media.