New York police continue to hunt for the individual responsible for the assassination of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson, who was brutally attacked outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel before fleeing into Central Park.
Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance division, was shot from behind on Wednesday morning in what police labeled a targeted assault by a masked perpetrator who had been lurking.
This incident occurred just prior to the company’s annual investor conference at the Hilton on Sixth Avenue.
The phrases “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” were found etched into the shell casings discovered at the scene, according to police sources speaking with ABC and the New York Post. Reuters has not independently corroborated this information.
When contacted by Reuters, the author, Jay Feinman, a professor emeritus at Rutgers University Law School, replied via email, “Sorry, no comment.”
Authorities have released a new photo showcasing a clear image of the suspect’s face, just a day after issuing images where his face was partially obscured by a ski mask. They have urged the public to assist in identifying and locating him.
Moreover, police have searched a hostel on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where they believe the suspect may have been staying, as reported by CNN.
Investigators remain in pursuit of a motive, as police officials stated during a press conference on Wednesday.
Brian Thompson had been with UnitedHealth since 2004.
“All indicators suggest that this was a premeditated, preplanned, targeted attack,” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters on Wednesday.
“Security footage showed the shooter standing behind Thompson, 50, lifting his handgun, and firing at his back.
“According to police, the gunman arrived outside the hotel several minutes before Thompson did, waiting for him to walk by before firing, disregarding other bystanders.
“The suspect, donning a hooded sweatshirt, a ski mask, and carrying a gray backpack, escaped on foot before hopping on an electric bike and pedaling into Central Park,” officers stated.
Police have released numerous images of the suspect, captured by nearby surveillance cameras, including one showing the gun raised and aimed at Thompson, and another depicting the suspect fleeing on the bike.
The city boasts an extensive camera network, largely established after the September 11, 2001 attacks, which police can utilize to trace suspects’ movements.
The murder transpired on the morning of the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center, just a few blocks away.
The event proceeded as scheduled under tight security measures.
The suspected gunman was recorded on CCTV in the vicinity.
UnitedHealth holds the title of the largest U.S. health insurer, extending benefits to millions of Americans, who pay more for healthcare than individuals in any other nation.
Thompson, a father of two, had served as CEO of UnitedHealthcare, a segment of UnitedHealth Group, since April 2021.
The company has faced challenges stemming from a significant data breach involving its Change Healthcare unit, which provides technology for U.S. healthcare providers, disrupting medical care for patients and delaying reimbursements to doctors for several months.
Thompson had worked at UnitedHealth since 2004, spanning various divisions, according to a biography that has since been removed from the company’s website.
“Our hearts go out to Brian’s family and everyone who knew him,” the company stated.
During a video message to employees, UnitedHealth Group CEO Andrew Witty announced Thompson’s passing, referring to him as a “truly extraordinary person.”
At the company’s headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota, flags on campus were lowered to half-staff, as confirmed by a spokesperson to Reuters.
A NYPD flyer outside the New York Hilton Midtown requests information regarding the shooting.
Thompson’s wife, Paulette, informed NBC News on Wednesday that he had been receiving some threats related to his position but stated she was unaware of the specifics.
“Brian was an incredibly loving, generous, talented man who truly lived life to the fullest and impacted so many lives,” she remarked later in a statement.
“Brian was an exceptionally devoted father to our two sons and will be deeply missed.”
In Maple Grove, Minnesota, where Thompson resided, police administrator Theresa Keehn indicated to Reuters that there were no documented threats against Thompson, although one incident of “suspicious activity” was reported at his residence in June 2018.
Ms. Thompson reported seeing the deadbolt turning on their front door as she was preparing for bed, according to the police report.
She hid in the bathroom, feeling “terrified,” but authorities found no evidence of an attempted break-in or anyone on the premises.
