NYPD Releases Photos in Hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Killer
New York police are intensifying efforts to locate the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, outside a Manhattan hotel on Wednesday morning. Two images of an unmasked man sought for questioning have been released, and authorities are urging public cooperation in identifying the suspect.
Chilling Attack in Midtown Manhattan
The incident unfolded around 6:45 a.m. near the Hilton hotel in Midtown, a bustling area close to Times Square. Thompson, scheduled to address an investor conference later that day, was gunned down upon arrival. The attacker, dressed in a light brown jacket and initially masked, appeared to have waited for him for several minutes before opening fire.
According to police, Thompson was shot in the back and leg. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Investigators believe the killing was deliberate, as the assailant fled without taking any belongings.
Details of the Crime Scene
Detectives revealed that the gunman’s weapon malfunctioned during the attack but was swiftly repaired. The firearm, a BT Station Six 9 equipped with a suppressor, has drawn attention due to its connection to World War II-era covert operations. Mayor Eric Adams called the use of a silencer “shocking” and unprecedented in his experience.
Authorities initially believed the killer escaped on a Citi Bike, but Lyft, the operator of the bike-sharing program, later clarified that no company vehicle was involved. Instead, surveillance footage shows the suspect fleeing on foot.
Clues and Leads in the Investigation
Police are exploring multiple leads to identify the suspect:
Surveillance Images: The NYPD released photos of an unmasked individual linked to the investigation. This person is suspected of using a fake ID to check into a local hostel.
Facial Recognition: CCTV footage captured the suspect at a nearby Starbucks shortly before the shooting. While partially masked, his eyes and nose are visible, aiding facial recognition efforts.
Cryptic Bullet Casings: At the scene, investigators recovered bullet casings bearing the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” which may reference the contentious practices of insurance companies. These phrases closely align with themes explored in the 2010 book Delay, Deny, Defend by legal scholar Jay Feinman, though Feinman declined to comment on any connection.
Recovered Items: Police are examining a mobile phone and a coffee cup found along the escape route for fingerprints and DNA evidence.
Bus Travel: The suspect reportedly arrived in New York on a bus originating from Atlanta, Georgia, though it’s unclear where he boarded.
Search Warrant and Witness Statements
Authorities searched a location on the Upper West Side where the suspect was spotted hours before the crime. Thompson’s hotel room at the nearby Marriott is also being inspected for potential evidence.
Thompson’s wife revealed that he had previously mentioned receiving threats, though details remain vague. In 2018, police in his hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, investigated a suspicious incident at his residence but found no criminal activity.
Remembering Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson joined UnitedHealth in 2004 and became CEO in 2021. Under his leadership, the company experienced significant growth. The healthcare giant, the largest private insurer in the U.S., is now reeling from the loss of its leader.
The NYPD urges anyone with information about the suspect or the case to come forward as the investigation unfolds.
