A former bodyguard for Brian Thompson was shocked to find his boss unprotected when he was m*rdered

A shocking and tragic event in the heart of New York City has raised troubling questions about corporate security and the safety of high-profile figures. Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and k*lled outside the New York Hilton. But what has stunned many is the apparent lack of security around such an important figure.

Philip Klein, a former bodyguard for Thompson, is absolutely “shocked and baffled” that the CEO wasn’t surrounded by a security detail, which is standard practice for someone of his stature. Klein, who runs a Texas-based security firm called Klein Investigations, had worked closely with Thompson in the 2000s. According to him, it’s hard to believe that Thompson, a well-known figure in the insurance industry, would be walking around without at least 10 security guards to protect him.

Klein is clear about one thing: the insurance industry, particularly someone in Thompson's position, generates a lot of hostility and threats, making it necessary for top executives to have constant protection. "It’s common knowledge that the insurance business creates a lot of enemies," Klein points out. The high level of animosity toward the insurance industry makes it all the more baffling that a CEO like Thompson would have been walking alone in Manhattan, with no one watching his back.

Adding to the concerns, Klein states that Thompson should have been wearing a bulletproof vest, something that might have saved his life. However, Klein acknowledges that Thompson was always a very independent and headstrong person, and it’s possible that he simply didn’t want to wear one for personal reasons. Regardless, Klein makes it clear that Thompson’s safety should have been prioritized by his company, UnitedHealthcare.

“It's hard to believe,” Klein admits. "I’ve worked with a lot of important people, and to see someone as high-profile as Thompson not protected, it’s just wrong.”

Klein further reflects on Thompson’s character, describing him as a "nice guy, a real go-getter" who always had the drive to push forward. Despite his personal qualities, Klein isn’t surprised that Thompson may have had a target on his back. The nature of the business he was in made him an easy target for those who had grievances with the insurance industry. Klein believes Thompson’s death should serve as a stark warning to other major corporations and their executives.

The chilling details surrounding Thompson's death were revealed shortly after the incident occurred. On Wednesday morning, Thompson was shot and k*lled outside the New York Hilton hotel. The New York Police Department (NYPD) quickly deemed the attack a "premeditated, preplanned targeted attack," as the assassin was seen lingering around the area just moments before Thompson arrived. This highly coordinated and deliberate action has led the police to intensify their search for the shooter.

Although the identity of the suspect has yet to be confirmed, the NYPD has released surveillance footage of the suspect’s face in the hope of gathering more information from the public. A citywide manhunt is underway, as investigators continue to piece together the details surrounding this tragic incident.

Klein’s comments underscore a major issue that many corporations might be ignoring: the need for proper protection for high-ranking executives, particularly those in industries that are prone to hostility. His warning to other businesses is clear: the death of Brian Thompson should serve as a “wake-up call” for other CEOs and executives in similar positions. "This is a lesson that needs to be learned," Klein stresses, pointing out that security should always be a priority, especially in volatile industries.

In conclusion, while we await more information about the circumstances surrounding Thompson’s murder, one thing is clear: the lack of security on the part of UnitedHealthcare is a grave oversight. This tragic event may force companies to rethink their approach to executive safety, especially in industries that face public criticism and resentment. Thompson's death is not just a personal loss but a wake-up call for corporations to take better care of their leaders.