New York City police are ramping up efforts to locate the individual responsible for the killing of Brian Thompson, 50, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was fatally shot on Wednesday morning outside the Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan.
The attack occurred at approximately 6:45 AM EST near the bustling areas of Times Square and Central Park. Thompson was scheduled to speak at an investor conference later that day. The shooter, dressed in a black face mask and a cream-colored jacket, waited for five minutes before ambushing Thompson, who was walking on foot. New York City Police Police believe this was a premeditated assassination as none of Thompson’s belongings were taken.
Despite the suspect’s weapon jamming mid-attack, he managed to fix it quickly and continue shooting. The firearm, reportedly a BT Station Six 9 with a silencer, is often associated with covert operations and is rarely seen in crimes. The New York Police is investigating gun stores in nearby states to trace its origins.
Escape and New Leads in the Investigation
After the shooting, surveillance footage showed the suspect fleeing on foot. Initial reports suggested he used a Citi Bike owned by Lyft, but Lyft later clarified that its vehicles were not involved. A mobile phone, a coffee cup, and bullet casings found along the suspect’s escape route are now key pieces of evidence.
The New York City Police has also released two photos of a man, unmasked, believed to be connected to the murder. Officials suspect he used a fraudulent ID to check into a nearby hostel and may have traveled to New York from Atlanta, Georgia. Facial recognition technology is being employed to identify the individual.
Cryptic words—“deny,” “defend,” and “depose”—were found inscribed on the bullet casings at the crime scene. Investigators believe these phrases reference tactics commonly associated with the insurance industry, potentially hinting at a motive tied to Thompson’s role in healthcare.
Who Was Brian Thompson?
Brian Thompson was a well-respected figure in the healthcare industry, having joined UnitedHealthcare in 2004 and becoming CEO in 2021. Known for his transformative leadership, Thompson had steered the company through record-breaking profitability in recent years.
Thompson’s wife revealed in an MSNBC interview that he had received threats prior to his death, though the details remain unclear. Police records from his hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, indicate a prior suspicious incident in 2018 at his residence, but no criminal activity was detected at the time.
Colleagues and friends have expressed shock and sorrow over Thompson’s untimely death, describing him as a visionary leader and a compassionate individual.
New York City Police Appeal for Public Assistance
With the investigation ongoing, the New York City Police is urging the public to come forward with any information about the suspect. Crime scene evidence, including fingerprints from a discarded coffee cup and DNA from bullet casings, is being analyzed for leads.
New York City Police have also searched a property on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where the suspect was seen earlier in the day, and continue to examine Thompson’s hotel room for additional clues.
Mayor Eric Adams, himself a former New York City Police officer, has called the case unprecedented due to the use of a silencer and the cryptic nature of the crime. “This was a calculated act, and we will leave no stone unturned in bringing justice to Mr. Thompson and his family,” Adams said.
As the investigation deepens, authorities are determined to unravel the mystery behind the killing of one of America’s leading healthcare executives.
Technological and Investigative Efforts
The New York City Police is employing cutting-edge investigative techniques to track the killer. Beyond facial recognition, they are examining surveillance footage from various locations, including a nearby Starbucks and the Frederick Douglas housing project. Police have also visited gun stores in Connecticut to trace the suspected weapon—a BT Station Six 9 pistol with historical connections to World War II-era special operations.
The intense manhunt continues, with law enforcement urging the public to provide any information that might help identify and apprehend the suspect in this high-profile case.
