Wednesday's assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson “will make things even worse.” [executives’] “Awareness of vulnerabilities” will likely lead to a wave of new security contracts, experts told Fox News Digital.
In an ambush captured on surveillance video, a masked gunman pointed a silenced pistol at Thompson outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel at 6:46 a.m. Wednesday. shot the officer 3 times.
Michael Balboni, a former adviser to the New York State Department of Homeland Security, told Fox News Digital that at least one potential client, the head of a large financial institution, is seeking executive protection through his company, Redland Strategies. He said he specifically mentioned the shooting incident when he called to inquire after the evaluation.
“In the short term, this incident highlights the need to conduct threat assessments not only of infrastructure and systems, but also of key personnel,” he said. As a result, the guards should be busy.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's 'premeditated' attack and suspect's escape: Timeline
Surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows a suspect wanted for the shooting death of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. (New York City Police Department)
“But in the long run, satisfaction will return,” he added.
Former NYPD Detective Pat Brosnan, CEO of the Brosnan Investigative Group and former principal of Brosnan Risk Consultants, told Fox News Digital that the killing was “already several hours after the murder. He urged a meeting of top security officers from all over the country within a short period of time.” . ”
“These emergency meetings were prompted by the unusual circumstances surrounding Thompson's murder: an apparently targeted attack by a calm and eerily unflappable assassin with obvious skill with weapons. It was an early morning assassination, and he had the means and foresight to outfit his weapon with a very difficult “acquisition of a silencer.” And perhaps most troubling of all, [possession] Insider information about target schedules. ”
United Healthcare CEO murder: Investigators start small, focus on family for motive
This undated photo provided by UnitedHealth Group shows UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Photo/United Health Group)
“His methodical and calm response when the gun jammed likely instilled ice-pick fear into each CSO (chief security officer),” he said. “It's precisely this kind of obvious professionalism, linear focus on the mission, and precise exit strategy coupled with specific information about target movement that keeps CSOs up late at night.”
“We believe this has prompted many companies to immediately re-evaluate their current security protocols and procedures to mitigate counterfeiting,” Brosnan continued.
UnitedHealth CEO's Starbucks visit draws harsh criticism on second day of manhunt for shooting suspect
Philip Klein, whose security firm has provided Mr Thompson's bodyguards in the past, said: wall street journal He said he was surprised that his former client did not accompany him on Wednesday.
“It was normal business for that company to have its own private security team to look after its executives,” Klein told the outlet.
UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting suspect arrived in New York on Greyhound bus from Atlanta last month: Source
A screenshot of surveillance footage released by the NYPD shows a person wanted in connection with the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. is reflected. (NYPD Crime Stoppers)
Fox News Digital previously reported that Thompson's wife, Paulette Thompson, said there had been recent threats against her husband.
“There have been some threats,” she said. NBC News. “Basically I don't know. Was it because there wasn't enough coverage? I don't know the details. All I know is that he said there were some people who were threatening him.”
Balboni said there was a spike in risk assessments after the shooting, but that likely won't last long.
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“meanwhile [the Black Lives Matter movement] For example, security in retail stores has been increased,” he says, “but over time that goes away.”
“While there may be heightened concerns, the status quo will return to complacency,” he continued. “In the short term, yes. [executives will] at least [get] Have these things evaluated by an expert. . . . But a lot of executives I know say, “It's not me, it's somebody else, it won't happen to me.'' ”
“All kinds of problems can come up. It comes down to character issues,” he continued. “you [often] Living with parents. . . . After a certain amount of time, many people say, “That's enough, I don't want you around.'' ”
