New York (CNN) -- UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson had an in-house security detail assigned to him during his trip to New York City, but the detail wasn't with him when he was shot and killed in front of a hotel early Wednesday morning.
It's common for top executives of major corporations to have personal security provided by their companies. Those measures are often significant expenses listed in corporate filings, though UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare's corporate parent, doesn't break out the cost in its own filings.
The need to protect the safety of top officers and the cost of doing so has risen over the years, particularly for those high-profile executives whose businesses often generate controversy or criticism. Most companies list the risk of losing their top executive as a risk factor for investors to consider.
Multiple major healthcare providers began increasing personal protection around top executives following the shooting, according to security industry sources.
"There had been some threats...I don't know details. I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him,"
the victim's wife told NBC.
Law enforcement sources revealed that two words were found on bullet casings at the scene: "Delay" and "depose." Police are exploring whether these words point to a motive related to criticisms against insurance practices.
"This event really underscores the rising threat that chief executive officers are facing right now,"
former Secret Service agent Jonathan Wackrow told CNN. He noted threats from both internal issues and external criticism due to company products or services.
"We had many threats from disgruntled members dissatisfied with their coverage,"
a former senior security director at another major insurance company stated about similar challenges faced by executives regarding security acceptance despite apparent risks.
Security Costs for CEOs
- Tesla reported spending $2.4 million on Elon Musk's security in 2023 alone.
- Nvidia spent $2.2 million on various security measures for CEO Jen-Hsun Huang in 2023.
- Apple allocated $820,000 for Tim Cook's private security and additional funds for air travel on its private jet.
- Alphabet paid $6.8 million for Sundar Pichai’s personal security needs.
- Meta Platforms allocated significant resources towards Mark Zuckerberg’s family security including an annual pre-tax allowance of $14 million.
CNN contributors Josh Campbell, Meg Tirrell, John Miller and Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this story
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