The CEO of Minnetonka, Minnesota-based UnitedHealth Group provided encouraging phrases to the well being care company Wednesday, a day after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was killed in a focused taking pictures in New York Metropolis final week, was laid to relaxation.

Thompson, 50, was shot from behind on the sidewalk outdoors a New York Metropolis Hilton resort Dec. 4 earlier than a shareholder convention. 

After a five-day nationwide manhunt for Thompson’s killer, Luigi Nicholas Mangione, 26, was taken into custody on Monday at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty posted a message on-line to his UnitedHealth Group colleagues, providing phrases of encouragement amid troublesome instances.

SLAIN UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON LAID TO REST IN MINNESOTA

This undated picture offered by UnitedHealth Group exhibits UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. (AP Picture/UnitedHealth Group )

“I do know this has been an awfully troublesome week,” Witty wrote. “Our firm stays in a state of mourning. Brian’s household laid him to relaxation on Monday afternoon. And yesterday, colleagues gathered in Minnesota to have a good time his life. It was a life lived to absolutely the fullest. And a life that helped make a profoundly constructive impression on the lives of so many individuals. Individuals he by no means noticed. Individuals he by no means met. Individuals who by no means knew him. However individuals Brian cared so deeply about.

“Brian was one of many good guys. He was actually one of many smartest guys. I believe he was among the finest guys. I’ll miss him. And I’m extremely proud to name him my good friend,” Witty added. “Many have stated that we’re all just a little higher for figuring out Brian. There isn’t a more true assertion than that. As we start to maneuver ahead, one of the simplest ways to honor his life and all that he stood for is to hold on his legacy — persevering with to do proper by the individuals who’ve entrusted us with their care and those that are relying on us to maintain their family members.

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“We owe it to Brian to make good on our promise to make well being care work higher for everyone, in each method. That job by no means stops. It doesn’t matter what’s occurring, we’re going to be there for the mothers and dads who introduced one in all their youngsters to a clinic this morning,” Witty stated. “We’re going to be there for the sickest and essentially the most weak amongst us, whose houses our nurses and caseworkers are visiting as we speak. We’re going to ensure medicines are crammed, infusions are administered and other people can navigate their therapies for the rarest states of illness.

CEO homicide suspect Luigi Mangione shouts as officers restrain him when he arrives for his extradition listening to in Hollidaysburg, Pa., Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. (David Dee Delgado for Fox Information Digital)

“We’ll be there for individuals who want screenings, who want scans, who want surgical procedure. And we’ll be there when persons are popping out of the hospital — if solely simply to carry their hand as they get again on their ft,” he added. “These are the issues the individuals of this firm do every single day. Behind all of them are 1000’s extra — ensuring claims are paid, calls are dealt with, questions are answered. And, critically, that it’s all executed on the highest attainable normal of high quality. And at all times — at all times — upholding the promise we’ve made to assist make well being care work higher and work higher for everybody.

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“I’m tremendous proud to be part of a corporation that does a lot good for therefore many and to have the chance to work alongside a few of the most compassionate, most devoted and really good individuals in well being care. I hope you’re feeling that, too,” he wrote. “The identical individuals who had been relying on us final week are relying on us as we speak — none of that’s modified. Our sufferers, our clients, companions and purchasers want us to be at our easiest. After which once more tomorrow. The day after subsequent. Subsequent week. Subsequent month. Subsequent 12 months.

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in midtown Manhattan final week. (Businesswire | NYPD Crimestoppers)

“Always remember: What you do issues. It actually, actually issues. There isn’t a increased calling than serving to individuals. Nothing extra very important to the human situation than well being care,” Witty stated. “And whereas today have been darkish, our sufferers, members, clients are sending us gentle — 1000’s of telephone calls, texts, feedback and emails providing condolences, gratitude and encouragement are pouring in. And I assumed you would possibly discover consolation and energy of their phrases under.

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“Please take care of yourselves, your groups and your family members. Be assured we are going to proceed to take each attainable precaution to make sure that you’re feeling protected and supported, since you ought to anticipate that we’ll be there for you, too,” he concluded, signing simply his first title, Andrew.

Fox Information Digital’s Mollie Markowitz, Andrea Margolis, and Sophia Compton contributed to this report.