Christmas tree lighting at New York's Rockefeller Center to be cancelled after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killing?

United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson's killing outside The Hilton Midtown Manhattan hotel in New York on Wednesday has posed tough questions against security and safety in one of the most posh localities not only in the US but also in the world. This comes at a time when the US and New York are gearing up to celebrate Christmas 2024, as per a report.

New York City police officials said that it was a premeditated, pre-planned, targeted attack. Thompson was fatally shot on Wednesday morning outside the hotel in what appeared to be a targeted attack by a gunman lying in wait. Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said the gunman remains at large, Reuters reported.

Police tape blocked off the area on 54th Street outside the Hilton on Wednesday morning, where blue plastic gloves were strewn about and plastic cups appeared to mark the location of bullet casings.


Police said the shooting would not affect the annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, a few blocks from the Hilton, which draws large crowds of tourists and is scheduled to take place in a televised event on Wednesday evening, as per the Reuters report.

"The police were here in seconds. It's New York. It's not normal here at seven in the morning but it's pretty scary," said Christian Diaz, who said he heard the gunfire from the nearby University Club Hotel where he works, Reuters reported.

FAQs

Q1. When did fatal shooting of United Healthcare CEO take place?
A1. The shooting occurred around 6:45 a.m.(ET) outside the Hilton on Sixth Avenue, where the company's annual investor conference was about to take place. Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Q2. Where does iconic Christmas tree lighting take place in New York?
A2. Annual Christmas tree lighting takes place at Rockefeller Center.