Corporate Security Steps Up After UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Fatal Shooting

In the wake of the tragic killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, companies across various industries are rapidly bolstering security measures for their executives, fearing for the safety of top leaders in the face of rising threats. The security response has included the closure of headquarters, the removal of executive photographs from websites, and the ramping up of armed protection for key leaders.

Medica, a health insurer based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, temporarily shut down its headquarters following Thompson’s death, citing safety concerns. “We closed the HQ out of an abundance of caution following the shooting,” a spokesperson said in an email to CNN.

Thompson was fatally shot early Wednesday morning outside a hotel in midtown Manhattan, sparking widespread shock and outrage, particularly from social media users frustrated with insurance claims. The killing has since led numerous companies to reassess how they protect their high-profile leaders.

The killing has prompted significant action from corporations that often provide personal security for their top executives. Glen Kucera, head of Allied Universal’s enhanced protection services, shared with CNN that in the days following the incident, many companies urgently reached out to bolster their security strategies. “It’s been eye-opening to a lot of companies in how they go about protecting their executives,” Kucera noted.

In response to the attack, some companies are now assigning armed security to executives as they commute to work or travel. Additionally, there has been an uptick in monitoring potential threats on social media platforms. While some of these measures are expected to be temporary, experts like Kucera predict lasting changes in corporate security strategies. “Investors and company boards will demand more frequent risk assessments for high-risk executives,” he said.

Dale Buckner, CEO of Global Guardian, which offers executive protection services, reported a surge in requests for enhanced security following the shooting. Within hours, 47 companies had contacted his firm for additional protection. Buckner described the incident as a “bellwether moment,” signaling a shift in how businesses approach executive security. While armed protection for executives traveling abroad has been common for years, Buckner noted that domestic protection, including around-the-clock security at executives’ homes, is increasingly becoming the norm in the U.S.

In the wake of the tragedy, UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, laid out a comprehensive security plan for its employees. CEO Andrew Witty assured staff in an internal email that the company was prioritizing their safety and security. “We’re ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of our employees,” Witty wrote. “We have increased security at our campuses in Minnesota, as well as sites in Washington, DC, and New York City.”

As part of its efforts, UnitedHealth temporarily restricted access to its administrative campuses and has been working closely with law enforcement as the search for the shooter continues.

In addition to enhancing physical security, many companies are also rethinking how they present their leadership online. Following the incident, several health insurers, including UnitedHealthcare, Elevance Health (the parent company of Anthem), and CVS (which owns Aetna), took steps to reduce the visibility of their executives on their websites. UnitedHealthcare removed its executive page entirely, while Elevance Health followed suit. CVS, which left the executive bios intact, removed photos of their leadership in response to the heightened security concerns.

While removing executive images from company websites provides some protection, it may not be enough to fully erase their digital footprints. As many executives maintain a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, along with being featured in press releases and public appearances, it’s nearly impossible to completely erase their identities from the public domain.

The tragic killing of Thompson has highlighted the vulnerability of top executives, prompting an urgent reassessment of how companies protect their most valuable leaders. As the investigation continues, the impact of this event on corporate security strategies is expected to be long-lasting, with companies across sectors prioritizing the safety of their executives more than ever before.