Wife of Murdered UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson Says He Received Threats and She's 'Trying to Console' Their Children

The wife of Brian Thompson, the UnitedHealth Group CEO who was shot to death outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel, said her husband had been receiving threats prior to the attack.

Thompson’s wife, Paulette, told NBC News that she was informed by the New York Police Department that the attack on her husband was planned.

“Yes, there had been some threats basically I don’t know, a lack of coverage? I don’t know details,” Paulette Thompson told NBC News. “I just know that he said there were some people that had been threatening him.”

Despite the threats, Paulette says her husband did not alter his travel plans.

“I can’t really give a thoughtful response right now,” she told NBC News. “I just found this out and I’m trying to console my children.”

An NYPD spokesperson told PEOPLE that police responded to a call at about 6:40 a.m. outside 1335 Sixth Avenue, the address of the New York Hilton Midtown. A 50-year-old man was shot in the chest, police said, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

UnitedHealth confirmed that Thompson was the victim.

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The NYPD says they are still searching for the masked shooter, who the department says fled north on Sixth Avenue on an electric Citibike.

Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004, according to his company bio.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked at the passing of our dear friend and colleague Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare,” the company said in a statement. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him. We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and all who were close to him.”