In this edition of Threat Thursday, we explore a deeply concerning and rare but increasingly relevant threat: targeted killings. Recent high-profile incidents, such as the assassination of Brian Thompson, CEO of United Healthcare, underscore the need for individuals in leadership roles within multinational organizations to prioritize personal and organizational security.
What’s striking about this event, apart from the fact that it was captured on video, is that a company like United Healthcare clearly failed to assess the threat at all, assessed it as low, or assessed it as high but then failed to implement mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood or impact of its occurrence.
It can be easy for USAID implementing partners to view this event as irrelevant to their business, but that would be a mistake. If a company with the resources of United Healthcare cannot or clearly did not protect its CEO, Brian Thompson, on a city sidewalk in the U.S., how can Chiefs of Party and other senior leaders operating in places like Yemen, Syria, or Libya do a better job? While the frequency of targeted killings is extremely low, the potential negative impact on a project or company could be so severe that it warrants closer scrutiny before being dismissed.
What Are Targeted Killings?
Targeted killings are deliberate acts of violence against specific individuals, often motivated by personal, political, financial, or ideological reasons. Executives, high-profile leaders, and individuals in sensitive industries working overseas are particularly at risk due to their visibility and influence (actual or perceived).
Why Are Targeted Killings a Threat to Organizations?
The assassination of a key leader like Brian Thompson can have catastrophic consequences, including:
- Organizational Instability: Leadership vacuums disrupt operations and erode stakeholder confidence.
- Employee Safety Concerns: Such events foster fear, affecting morale and productivity.
- Reputation Damage: Public perception of the organization’s safety and stability deteriorates, potentially deterring donors or clients.
- Operational Risks: Disruptions to decision-making processes hinder business continuity.
Factors Increasing the Risk
Certain factors heighten the risk of targeted killings:
- High Visibility: Public schedules, frequent media appearances, or controversial positions.
- Contentious Industries: Organizations involved in financial services, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, or minority advocacy often face hostility.
- Personal Exposure: Lack of privacy controls on social media or other public platforms.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Operating in politically unstable regions as a symbol of the U.S. carries inherent risks.
Mitigation Strategies for Targeted Killings
While eliminating the risk entirely is impossible, these steps can significantly reduce vulnerabilities for high-profile individuals like Brian Thompson:
1. Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments
- Identify individuals at heightened risk.
- Evaluate physical security at workplaces, residences, and frequent locations.
- Analyze potential threats from disgruntled employees, competitors, or activist groups.
2. Enhance Physical Security
- Implement access controls and surveillance in sensitive areas.
- Provide secure transportation, including trained drivers and armored vehicles where necessary.
- Increase security presence during public events or travel.
3. Foster Digital Privacy
- Remove sensitive personal information from public directories.
- Monitor and secure executive social media accounts.
- Regularly audit email and communication systems to prevent breaches.
4. Train Leadership and Staff
- Offer personal safety training, including situational awareness and response tactics.
- Educate employees on identifying and reporting suspicious behavior.
- Prepare executives with crisis management protocols.
5. Build Strong Communication Channels
- Establish rapid communication systems for alerting executives to credible threats.
- Maintain clear channels between security teams, law enforcement, and private contractors.
- Regularly update key personnel on evolving risks.
6. Develop a Crisis Management Plan
- Include targeted killing scenarios in your incident response plan.
- Designate a leadership continuity plan to ensure operational stability.
- Conduct tabletop exercises to simulate responses to high-profile threats.
Case in Point: Lessons from the Brian Thompson Assassination
The tragic assassination of Brian Thompson highlights several vulnerabilities organizations must address:
- Public Images: Photographs on web pages and social media make identifying potential targets easier.
- Unsecured Routines: Publicized schedules provide predictable targets for attackers.
- Limited Personal Security: Overreliance on corporate security without extending coverage to personal movements exposes leaders.
- Delayed Threat Detection: Insufficient monitoring or intelligence gathering results in inadequate response times.
Organizations must learn from such incidents to implement robust protective measures and avoid similar tragedies.
Final Thoughts
Targeted killings are a grim reminder that personal security must be a priority for high-profile individuals and the organizations they lead. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive security posture, companies can safeguard their leadership and ensure business continuity even in the face of extreme threats. Security is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Protect your leadership, protect your future.
How does your organization address personal security risks for its executives? Share your approach in the comments or contact us for expert guidance on executive protection.
