What We Know About the Shooter Who Killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
New York City police are working to identify the man responsible for fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson early Wednesday morning. Investigators are using advanced facial recognition technology and evidence from a discarded cell phone to track down the suspect in what appears to be a deliberate attack.
The Incident
Brian Thompson, 50, was shot in the back outside the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan at approximately 6:45 a.m. (11:45 GMT). The attack occurred as Thompson arrived on foot for an investor conference where he was scheduled to speak later that day.
According to police, the shooter, wearing a black face mask and cream-colored jacket, appeared to have been lying in wait for Thompson for about five minutes before opening fire. Despite the busy location near Times Square and Central Park, the suspect managed to escape the scene.
Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
A Calculated Attack
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed that the attacker’s firearm malfunctioned during the shooting but was quickly fixed, allowing him to fire multiple rounds. Three shell casings and three live bullets were recovered at the scene and are being analyzed for DNA evidence.
Video footage shows the gunman fleeing on foot before later being spotted riding an electric bicycle in Central Park.
Clues and Evidence
The investigation has yielded several leads. Security footage captured the suspect at a Starbucks near the crime scene minutes before the shooting. While the mask obscured much of his face, part of his nose and eyes are visible, providing crucial details for facial recognition software.
Detectives are also searching Thompson’s hotel room at a nearby Marriott, hoping to uncover more information about what might have led to the attack.
Motive Still Unclear
The motive behind the killing remains a mystery. Police noted that the shooter left Thompson’s belongings untouched, suggesting the attack was not a robbery.
In an interview with MSNBC, Thompson’s wife disclosed that her husband had mentioned receiving threats in the past, though she was unable to elaborate.
“I just know he said some people had been threatening him,” she shared.
Authorities in Maple Grove, Minnesota—where Thompson lived—confirmed a suspicious incident at his home in 2018. However, the case was closed with no criminal activity reported, and details remain sparse.
Next Steps
As the NYPD intensifies its search for the gunman, they are relying on a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional investigative methods to piece together the events leading up to Thompson’s tragic death.
The case has left many questions unanswered, but police remain committed to uncovering the truth and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
